A recent study published in Nature suggests that adults with strong neuron production in their brains have better memory and cognitive function compared to those in whom this ability diminishes. The researchers examined brain samples from deceased donors across different age groups, including individuals over 80 years old with exceptional memory, known as ‘super agers’.
The study found that individuals with healthy cognition, both young and old, exhibited high levels of neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons. These new neurons made up only a small fraction (0.01%) of those in the hippocampus, a crucial brain region for memory. In contrast, individuals experiencing cognitive decline, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, showed fewer developing neurons in their brain samples.
Interestingly, the ‘super agers’ group had a higher number of immature neurons compared to other groups, including those with Alzheimer’s. However, due to the small sample sizes, these findings were not statistically significant.
Maura Boldrini Dupont, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist at Columbia University, cautioned that the small sample sizes call for a cautious interpretation of the results. Understanding the mechanisms behind neuron generation and cognitive maintenance in old age could potentially lead to the development of drugs that promote neurogenesis in individuals with cognitive decline, according to co-author Orly Lazarov, a neuroscientist at the University of Illinois Chicago.
The study also delves into the controversy surrounding neurogenesis in adults. While early beliefs suggested that neuron formation ceases after birth, recent evidence supports the existence of neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. However, the debate continues as researchers face challenges in studying neurogenesis in human brains compared to animal models.
To overcome these challenges, researchers have utilized tools such as protein markers and single-cell RNA sequencing to identify genetic and epigenetic signatures of neural stem cells and immature neurons in the human hippocampus. The study conducted by Lazarov and her team not only identified genetic signatures but also uncovered epigenetic markers, providing a deeper understanding of neuron generation in the adult brain.
Moving forward, the researchers aim to investigate the functional roles of newly generated neurons in the adult brain. This would require advanced imaging techniques to detect the activity of these cells and shed light on their contributions to cognitive function.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the importance of neurogenesis in maintaining cognitive function in adults and opens up avenues for further research in understanding the mechanisms behind brain health in old age. The findings highlight the potential for developing novel interventions to promote neurogenesis and improve cognitive outcomes in individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
This article was originally published in Nature on January 25, 2026.
