Stress, Stress Hormones, and Adult Neurogenesis

This research examines how stress and rewarding experiences affect adult neurogenesis, the process of forming new neurons in the hippocampus. Stressful events, often increasing stress hormones like cortisol, generally inhibit neurogenesis by reducing cell proliferation and survival. However, rewarding activities such as exercise, enriched environments, and social bonding counteract these effects and promote neuronal growth. Adult neurogenesis is crucial for memory, learning, and emotional regulation, making these findings significant for brain health and combating stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression.

Engage in regular exercise, maintain social connections, and pursue mentally stimulating activities to support brain health. These practices promote neurogenesis, counteract stress effects, and enhance cognitive and emotional resilience. While findings are robust in animal studies, applicability to humans requires further research, so integrating these habits into a healthy lifestyle is a proactive approach.