Does increasing neuroplasticity, through the promotion of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), facilitate neural growth, connection formation, and neurogenesis?

From the Guidelines

Increasing neuroplasticity through the promotion of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is crucial for facilitating neural growth, connection formation, and neurogenesis, and this can be achieved through regular aerobic exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, mental stimulation, and stress reduction techniques, as supported by recent studies 1.

Key Factors Influencing Neuroplasticity

• Regular aerobic exercise for 30 minutes daily is highly effective in increasing BDNF levels, as evidenced by its ability to improve cognition in patients with cognitive impairment after cancer treatment 1.
• A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants supports neurogenesis and the formation of new neural pathways.
• Adequate sleep of 7-9 hours nightly is essential for memory consolidation and neuroplasticity.
• Mental stimulation through learning new skills or solving puzzles challenges the brain to form new connections and supports neural network development.
• Mindfulness meditation practiced for 10-20 minutes daily reduces stress, which can inhibit neuroplasticity, and intermittent fasting may also boost BDNF production.

Mechanisms Underlying Neuroplasticity

The promotion of BDNF is critical for neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus, which is linked to learning and memory 1. Chemotherapeutic agents and pro-inflammatory cytokines can impair neurogenesis, highlighting the importance of lifestyle interventions in supporting neural health.

Clinical Implications

Focusing on lifestyle changes that boost BDNF, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction techniques, is essential for promoting neuroplasticity and supporting neural growth, connection formation, and neurogenesis, ultimately improving morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes 1.

From the Research

Neural Growth and Connection Formation

• Increasing neuroplasticity through the promotion of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been shown to facilitate neural growth and connection formation 2, 3, 4, 5.
• BDNF signaling plays a crucial role in the regulation of neural plasticity, and its activation has been linked to the synthesis of new neurons, the repair of damaged connections, and several other compensatory mechanisms 2.
• Physical exercise has been associated with increased neuroplasticity, neurotrophic factors, and improvements in brain function, including the production of BDNF, which provides improvements in neuroplasticity and cognitive function 3, 5.

Neurogenesis

• Neuroplasticity, including neurogenesis, is altered in neurodegenerative disorders and following damage to the central or peripheral nervous system 2, 6.
• BDNF has been shown to enhance neuroplasticity via different pathways, including synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and long-term potentiation 4.
• Animal studies have identified an enhancement of neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, angiogenesis, and the release of neurotrophins as neural mechanisms mediating beneficial cognitive effects of physical exercise 5.

Promotion of BDNF

• Exercise- and diet-induced factors have been shown to activate pathways that converge in part on the activation of BDNF signaling, promoting neural plasticity 2.
• Lactate, a product of high-intensity exercise, has been associated with increased peripheral BDNF levels, and lactate infusion at rest can increase peripheral and central BDNF levels 4.
• Combining exercise factors with dietary factors may develop a lifestyle pill for patients afflicted by CNS disorders, with BDNF as a potential biomarker to identify novel endogenous factors that promote neural plasticity 2.