[Essay] How Inflammation Halts the Brain's Creation of New Cells

I came across a fascinating article recently, so here are my notes on it.

Inflammation Forces Brain Stem Cells to Halt Neurogenesis (source: Neuroscience News)(https://neurosciencenews.com/inflammation-neurogenesis-31011/)

 

It covers the latest research on ‘how inflammation halts the brain’s creation of new cells.’

To put it simply: the study found that when there’s [inflammation] in the body, the brain’s stem cells are pulled off their day job (making new brain cells) and reassigned to the role of [guards who fight the inflammation]—which is what brings on ‘memory decline’ and ‘brain fog’ (that hazy, foggy-headed feeling).

 

<The brain creates brain cells through the steps below.>

  1. Stem cells live in the part of the brain that handles memory (the hippocampus), and they endlessly churn out brain cells (neurons).

(#learning #memory #mood-regulation roles)

  1. When a viral infection or inflammation occurs, an emergency hormone => is sent to the brain.

  2. The stem cells go on strike / switch careers: they take on the guard role.

  3. Brain function declines: memory loss, depression, brain fog…

 

This is why, after a cold / long COVID / aging / Alzheimer’s and the like, your head goes hazy, brain fog (that foggy-headed feeling) sets in, and your memory slips—it’s all down to this very [inflammation] phenomenon.

 

So what? : Let’s put to use the ways we can help the brain’s stem cells and hippocampus, the parts that make these fresh brain cells.

  • 30+ minutes of aerobic exercise
  • Omega-3 foods (salmon, mackerel, etc.)
  • Polyphenol foods (blueberries, curry, green tea, etc.)

 

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