The brain on a regular basis creates new brain cells in a process called neurogenesis. This process peaks at two periods in a human’s life: first 18 months of a child’s life and during adolescence to early twenties. However, new brain cells are born daily to a smaller extent.
Every container gets filled by its content except for knowledge, its container expands with it.
Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a)
Most of the new brain cells disappear in a few weeks unless they make connections with other neurons wiring into a learning network. By wiring with other neurons the new cells become fully functional neurons. Cells that remain in the immature stem stage die out.
Recent research has shown that learning and mentally demanding work increases the survival of new brain cells. The more challenging and intense the issue is the more brain cells that survive.
“The more you use your brain, the more brain you will have to use.”
George A. Dorsey
We can see from this insight that we should strive to be continuously learning. The more we learn the more capable we are of learning. Other things that have been shown to help increase neurogenesis are exercise and meditation.
References:
- http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/saving-new-brain-cells/
- http://amazon.com/The-Defining-Decade-Twenties-Matter-And/dp/0446561754
- Peak of Eloquence by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a), Scattered Pearls