New brain cells and connections

Until the 1960s, neuroscientists thought that damaged brains cells could not be replaced. But that theory was disproved when researchers started to notice the creation of neurons (neurogenesis) in the adult brains of humans and animals.

Studies show that aerobic exercise plays a key role in helping to repair damage to neurons. Exercise increases the levels of a protein named brain-derived neurotrophic factor that boosts cognitive function, including learning and memory.

• In a study with rats, swimming was found to stimulate brain pathways that reduced inflammation in the hippocampus and slowed down cell death. Swimming also helped neuron survival and lowered the cognitive impact of ageing.
• Another st...