I. Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to increase synaptic efficacy and promote neuronal survival. This protein is also a biomarker for impaired general cognitive function and memory. Studies have bee conducted on mice measuring the concentration of circulating, also called plasma or serum, BDNF in the blood of these animals when they exercise. Exercise has been proven to increase cognitive function and links between a large level of BDNF in the bloodstream and improved results on spatial/ cognitive testing of these rats shows that BDNF correlates to an increase in memory and cognitive abilities. In this research, studies with varying results on BDNF and exercise were taken and summarized in hopes of finding a …show more content…
This protein circulates throughout the central nervous system and the concentrations can be measured in platelets (Corripio, Gónzalez-Clemente, Jacobo, Silvia, Lluis, Joan, Assumpta, 2012). BDNF neurotrophins bind with high affinity to its respective receptor, TrkB. These signals flow to other protein enzymes downstream of that where they regulate synaptic functioning and maintain cell viability (Tadahiro, Richards, Shingo, Naoki, Miyako, Haruki, Xin, 2014). Studies performed on rats show a crucial link between BDNF release and memory/ cognitive functioning. After two months on an HFS diet (high amounts of refined sugars and fats) the hippocampal level of BDNF and spatial learning performance in these rats was noticeable reduced. Diet-related changes were specific to the hippocampus because of its role in memory formation and that is one of the main places BDNF is produced and circulates (Molteni, Barnard, Ying, Roberts, Gómez-Pinilla, 2002). These decreased cognitive functions cooresponded to a decreased amount of BDNF measured in the blood stream. It is also well documented through research that BDNF protects neurons from degeneration due to the cascade of effects it has on other proteins and enzymes when it is released. Therefore, the reductions of BDNF that are seen resulting from an HSF diet may decrease a neurons ability to natural protect itself from degeneration (Molteni, et al., 2002). Inversely, an increased amount of serum BDNF circulating in
Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2015) state that there is research showing how brain plasticity can be enhanced through aerobic exercise (p.51). It is important that adults be active in their lives. A 30-minute walk or some type of physical activity will benefit them as the age. The text mentions a study done by Erickson and his colleagues in 2009 where they studied the effect of aerobic exercise on the hippocampus. They found that due to aerobic exercise it produced greater volume in the hippocampus. This is significant because the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is responsible for memory, emotions, and spatial functioning. The body does not only need physical activities to produce healthier cognitive functioning but also nutrients. The text identifies three nutrient biomarker patterns that are significant on the aging brain. These nutrients are vitamin B, C,D, and E, omega-3, and trans fat. the foods that belong to these nutrients are beneficial to the brain. Older adults should make an effort to include these nutrients into their diets. positive impacts these nutrients make are better cognitive functioning and greater brain
Complainant, who is African-American, alleges that Respondent’s employee had a scowl on her face, talked down and attempted to belittle him, but was extremely helpful to a Caucasian customer. Respondent asserts that denies that its employee subjected Complainant to differential terms and conditions based on his race. Respondent asserts that Complainant requested and received the services, in-person hearing regarding his parking tickets, that he requested.
This is quite an impressive quality that the human brain undergoes and in order to make perfect use of this quality, the scientist is trying to make connections and find out if there are any environmental factors that can enhance neuroplasticity. One of the factors is ‘Exercise’ and in this paper, we are going to investigate the impact that exercise may have on neuroplasticity. We have been able to find that
After all, most foods and drinks we eat that are not good for us fall into either of these categories. Despite what many of us may already know about these junk foods and drinks, we often consume them anyway. Eating and drinking away, specific parts of our brain are silently being affected from the overconsumption of saturated fats and sugar that are in a lot of what we consume. The brain consists of many different parts that have specific functions and responsibilities. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), the hippocampus, and the amygdala are three specific parts of the brain that are affected by diet. The PFC, a prominent part of the brain located at the front of the frontal lobe, is key for planning, memory, and intelligence (Siddiqui, S.V., Chatterjee, Kumar, Siddiqui, A., and Goyal, 2008). The hippocampus, centrally located under the cerebral cortex, has been known to correlate with learning and memory (Attuquayefio, Stevenson, Oaten, and Frances, 2017). The amygdala, an almond-shaped structure located near the hippocampus, has been shown to connect to avoidance memory, a type of memory that we will discuss later on (Boitard et al.,
Retrieved Reformation is a short story about a man named Jimmy Valentine. In the beginning of the story, he is being released from prison for his crimes of robbing banks and cracking into safes. After being released, he realizes that he wants to live a life of no crime. He becomes a dynamic character because he begins to dramatically change after meeting the love of his life, Annabel Adams. He wanted to begin a new life.
In a recent article for Huffington Post reporter Elaine Gavalas writes, “Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a protein that protects brain neurons and is significantly reduced in people with Alzheimer's. Now for the first time, breakthrough research reveals NGF can be increased with yoga
Many scientists hypothesize that protein dysfunction plays a role in the progressive damage and death of nerve cells. The nerve cells may be blocked from communication
Alzheimer’s Disease has been one of the top leading causes of death in our country. It is understood that this disease is identified as an excess of the protein amyloid-ß within an increase of plaque (Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, 2010). Additionally, as the brain ages, it gets used to the inflammation and oxidative stress, so it is important to take the right amount of antioxidant micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory macronutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to protect the brain from ageing (Whalley et. al, 2004). This is a devastating disease that affects most people over the age of fifty. Recently, there have been many studies done to figure out what causes this disease, if there is anything that can cure it, and how to prevent the disease. Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, believe Alzheimer’s develops with consuming too many carbohydrates, especially fructose and having a deficiency in cholesterol and dietary fats as well (2010). Whalley, Starr, and Deary have seen that poor diet, poverty, and failing health are links to developing Alzheimer’s Disease (2004). Furthermore, seeing increase in plasma homocysteine concentration increases risk of Dementia, which can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12/folate (Walley et. al, 2004). Additionally, Gray supports Walley’s findings and even believes having an adequate intake of vitamin B12/folate will have a positive effect on the overall health
We often hear about the physical benefits of exercise and less about the psychological benefits promoted through physical activity. In fact, multiple researches suggest that physical activity increases academic performance and supports a positive outlook that is contributive to learning gains. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that leave you feeling focused, more relaxed, and happier. A recent study by Fotuhi, M. confirms that exercise enhances both neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells in regions of the brain associated with higher-order thinking and recall) and experience-dependent synaptogenesis (the formation of synaptic connections between neurons in response to learning and sensory input from the environment). Specifically, physical activity appears to stimulate the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps neurons and synapses grow. In fact, BDNF has been likened to fertilizer for the brain (Conyers, M., and D. Wilson p. 40).
Exercise directs blood to the brain, which should influence one to think more clearly. It builds the extent of the hippocampus; the part of the brain, which is responsible for memory. It likewise increases the connection between the nerve cells in the brain. This enhances one's memory and secures against brain damages and illnesses.
Research has proven that physical activity improves cognitive function and can also improve brain function throughout a lifespan. Moreover, staying physically active has so many benefits as well. For example, doing exercise and fitness activities help build cells and natural pathways to help reduce changes in memory loss or dementia. Also, it has so many health benefits including long-term improvements to the cognitive function as the young adult reaching mid
There is ample evidence to demonstrate that through the normal ageing process alterations to the brain in structure and function are directly related to cognitive changes (Glisky, 2007). With an increasing ageing population strategies for prevention of disease and age related cognitive decline are necessary to improve quality of life and reduce the associated healthcare costs (Australian Government Productivity Commission [AGPC], 2013). Physical exercise is known to be crucial in maintaining physiological health; it can also be used as a means of neuroprotection and assist in modifiable risk factors for improved brain health and subsequent cognitive function. This review will critically analyse current research into the effects of exercise
The Erikson et al. article supports the idea that physical exercise helps the brain by improving memory and the size of the hippocampus. Erikson and his colleagues suggested in their study that physical exercise increases the retention of information and improves learning capabilities. The way they measured this was by studying the increased or decreased size of the subject’s hippocampus and levels of BDNF. The control group in this experiment completed stretching/toning exercises while the experimental group did aerobic exercise; the experimental group ended up having a larger hippocampus volume than when starting out, as well as higher levels of BDNF; the
The human brain is constantly changing where many new neurons are formed while others neurons die and new synapses are created while other synapses are removed (Spalding et al., 2013). Some dendrites will withdraw while other dendrites continue branching (Killgore et al., 2013). The processes driving the reshaping of the brain are neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s lifelong ability to rewire neural connections to compensate for diseases and injuries or in response to changes in the environment, whereas neurogenesis is the ability to create new neurons and neural connections. This dynamic process of remodeling gray matter is determined mainly by a person’s genetics and can slow down due to age (Denes, 2016). However, recent scientific evidence demonstrates other non-genetic factors that can significantly improve the development of the brain and slow down neurodegeneration (Kays et al., 2012). Physical exercise has always been linked to a person’s physical health, but many recent scientific studies shows physical exercise can also keep a person’s brain sharp. Exercise affects the brain in numerous ways by creating a flourishing environment for brain growth, aiding the release of numerous hormones, and fighting against depression, stress, and anxiety.
A healthy diet improves cognitive function. Nutrition plays a key role in the development of brain structure and its function, and hence, cognition. More specifically, food provides nutrients that influence the synthesis of neurotransmitters (Issacs & Oates, 2008). Certain lipids also obtained through diet affect the cell membrane and myelin sheath of the neuron, and in turn, neuronal functioning (Issacs & Oates, 2008). Additionally, the intake of glucose, the primary fuel of the brain, also impacts cognition (Issacs