
Exercise builds new brain cells, report American researchers. In a study into fitness, memory and memory loss, scientists from the University of Columbia Medical Centre found evidence suggesting that humans grow new brain cells in the hippocampus as a result of working out.
"No previous research has systematically examined the different regions of the hippocampus and identified which region is most affected by exercise," said neurologist heading the study, Dr Scott Small.
In addition to examination of mice brains, 11 healthy adults were recruited to undergo a three-month aerobic exercise regime. Exercise generated blood flow to the denate gyrus (located in the hippocampus) it was found – an effect that increased as the subjects' fitness improved.
"Our next step is to identify the exercise regimen that is most beneficial to improve cognition and reduce normal memory loss, so that physicians may be able to prescribe specific types of exercise to improve memory," Small said.