fbpx

Why Stem Cell Research May Be Irrelevant

 In General

Creating
new brain cells was previously thought to be impossible in humans, but not any
more. And you don’t need to have an injection of stem cells into your brain to
do it, either.

As
you may know, stem cells are your body’s basic building blocks, used for repair
and growth. And when it comes to your brain, stem cells turn into new neurons
or brain cells. These brainy stem cells then produce a chemical that protects
other brain cells, even damaged ones, from deteriorating.  
And
recent research reveals that they can reverse memory loss, as well as help
restore brain function in humans suffering from a wide range of diseases that
impair memory, including Alzheimer’s.
1

So
why do I say that stem cell research is irrelevant?

In
a landmark research study at Columbia
University, Scott Small, M.D. unveiled the first proof that exercise creates
new cells in the exact brain area that is affected by age-related memory loss.2  
When
you exercise, you experience an endorphin high and feel great. You also increase
your brain’s blood supply and create a compound called
brain-derived neurotrophic factor that induces nerve cells to grow,
branch out, and make connections with one another — all signs of an ageless
brain.

Exercise
targets a region of the brain within your memory center known as the dendate
gyrus, which underlies age-related memory decline. Exercise increases blood
flow to this all-important anatomical area and grows new brain cells. Physical
exercise transforms stem cells into fully-grown, functional neurons right where
they’re needed most.4

And
the best news? You don’t have to run marathons or be an Olympic weight lifter
to derive the benefits of developing higher levels of brain power. Here’s all
you need to do:5

  • Exercise at least three times a
    week.
  • Pick something you enjoy and
    stick with it.
  • Hill training, brisk walking,
    cycling, or exercising on an elliptical trainer or treadmill are all fine
    provided they’re done for 30 minutes or more.
  • Finally, don’t forget about
    body-weight exercises or other resistance work, done in combination with
    your aerobic conditioning.

Exercise
does more than build muscles and help prevent heart disease and keep you trim.
This new science suggests that it also boosts your brain power — and may offer
help in the battle against memory loss
and possibly prevent Alzheimer’s disease. For more information on this important “pillar” of Alzheimer’s Prevention, check out our website
here. 

References[U1] 

  1. Cage, FH, Science, 287 (5457):
    1433-1438, 2000.

  2. Pereira A, et al. Proceedings of National Academy
    of Sciences,
    vol 14, no 13, March 27, 2007; 5638-5643.
  3. Singh-Manoux A, et al. Am J Public Health,
    2005; 95 (12): 2252-2258.
  4. Van Pragg H, Gage FH, Nature Neuroscience,1999;
    96(3): 266-270.

  5. Friedland RP, et al. PNAS, 2001; 98(6):
    3440-3445.


 [U1]Yes,
please keep the references

Recent Posts

JOIN US FOR
Brain Power for Life: How Early Development Influences Your Life Course

April 2, 2024
4 pm PT / 7 pm ET
60 minutes

REGISTER NOW!