New research supports the idea that a stimulating environment is good for the brain. Scientists studying the impact of BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor – a protein associated with new brain cell growth) noted that mice in standard housing (i.e., deprived of stimulation) suffered decrease in brain cell proliferation, but that this was restored with enrichment.
The study’s primary focus was the broad impact of BDNF. The team concluded that when BDNF was deactivated, cell proliferation suffered. They also noted that the benefits of environment enrichment were much more marked with the mice who had not had BDNF deactivated.
Bottom line: A stimulating and enriched environment is good for the brain. And while the BDNF protein plays a big role in new brain cell growth, other factors are involved, too.
Abstract – http://www.molecularneurodegeneration.com/content/4/1/52
Tags: brain science