The fertiliser I'm talking about is BDNF.
This fertiliser is actually BDNF.
BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is a protein that plays a key role in the growth and survival of neurons in the brain.
BDNF is not a hormone. It is mainly synthesised and secreted by neurons and acts locally on nearby cells.
(1) Importance of BDNF
(a) BDNF helps neurons to develop and extend their branches, called dendrites and axons, which form connections with other neurons, called synapses (ie the gaps between the dentrites)
See diagram above showing dentrites and synapses.
The more nerve cell/neuron connections (synapses), the better the memory and learning ability.
(b) BDNF helps neurons to change and adapt their connections and strength in response to new experiences and information.
This process is called synaptic plasticity and it is essential for learning and memory formation.
(c) BDNF also helps to generate new brain cells (neurons) in certain regions of the brain such as the hippocampus. This process is called neurogenesis and it is important for learning, memory and mood.
(d) BDNF also binds to receptors at the synapses, to improve signal strength between neurons.
(d) It regulates mood, stress response, and emotional processing by affecting brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex
e) It protects neurons from degeneration and damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
Therefore BDNF is important for learning and memory, regulates mood (therefore important to mental health) and protects the brain.
Just as fertilisers provide essential nutrients for robust root growth in plants, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) acts as a molecular "fertiliser" for the growth of dendrites and synapses in the brain.
(2) What happens if there's not enough BDNF in the brain.
(a) Impaired learning (learning difficulties) :
This is obvious given the role of BDNF in forming new neurons (neurogenesis) and formation of new synapses (synaptic plasticity).
When BDNF levels are low, the ability of the brain to form new brain cells (neurons) and new synapses (connection between neurons) is compromised. This hinders the brain's capacity to adapt to new information, encode memories effectively, and ultimately impairs the learning process.
In a 2007 study of humans German researchers found that people learned vocabulary words 20 percent slower when compared to people that increased BDNF levels right before learning (by exercising). (Reference - caution - a long article)
(b) Decreased levels have also been associated with a variety of neurological/mental conditions such as alzheimer’s, epilepsy, anorexia nervosa, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and even OCD.
(i) Low bdnf level and depression :
Numerous studies have been done to confirm this link.
In a postmortem study of people who committed suicide and had depression, the researchers also found significantly decreased levels of the protein in different parts of the brain (Reference - caution - a long article)
Here's an interesting fact: Antidepressive drugs all affect the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters can control the level and activity of BDNF.
(ii) Low bdnf level and anxiety :
The National Institute of Mental Health labels anxiety a learning deficit—because the brain is unable to learn to discriminate between dangerous situations and benign situations.
Recent research has led scientists to believe that the BDNF protein is an essential ingredient in overcoming anxiety.
Scientists think this is due to the fact that it helps the brain learn to create positive memories.
In addition, higher levels of the protein ramps up levels of serotonin which calms the brain down and increases the sense of safety.
(3) Decreasing BDNF levels and what can we do.
Like many other chemicals in the human body, aging decreases BDNF levels. That’s why it takes us longer to learn to do complex tasks as we age. Remember, the protein is instrumental in learning quickly and learning well.
While we cannot stop our age from increasing, we can mitigate the impact of aging on decreasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels by incorporating lifestyle measures can be beneficial.
Some of the lifestyle measures that can increase BDNF levels are :
(a) Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic activities, has been shown to boost BDNF production.
Exercising is by far the most surefire and fastest way to increase BDNF levels.
The hippocampus is a part of the brain that is important for memory and learning.
When you exercise, you increase the level of BDNF in your brain, which stimulates the growth of new neurons and synapses in the hippocampus and thus increasing the size of the hippocampus.
(b) Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants supports overall brain health and may help counteract age-related declines in BDNF.
(c) Adequate sleep and stress management are also crucial factors in promoting optimal BDNF levels, contributing to better cognitive function as we age.
One important factor that can decrease BDNF level is chronic stress. Chronic stress can reduce BDNF production, especially in the hippocampus, which is a brain region involved in learning, memory, and mood.
Chronic stress can also increase cortisol levels, which can interfere with BDNF signaling and function.
Chronic stress can impair the synaptic plasticity that are essential for coping with stress and negative emotions.
Kevin Wong is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.
