Cited by 190Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsMemory and Neural MechanismsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Use it or lose it: how neurogenesis keeps the brain fit for learning

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Shors, T.J., Anderson, M.L., Curlik, D.M., Nokia, M.S.·2012·Behavioural Brain Research

Abstract

The presence of new neurons in the adult hippocampus indicates that this structure incorporates new neurons into its circuitry and uses them for some function related to learning and/or related thought processes. Their generation depends on a variety of factors ranging from age to aerobic exercise to sexual behavior to alcohol consumption. However, most of the cells will die unless the animal engages in some kind of effortful learning experience when the cells are about one week of age. If learning does occur, the new cells become incorporated into brain circuits used for learning. In turn, some processes of learning and mental activity appear to depend on their presence. In this review, we discuss the now rather extensive literature showing that new neurons are kept alive by effortful learning, a process that involves concentration in the present moment of experience over some extended period of time. As these thought processes occur, endogenous patterns of rhythmic electrophysiological activity engage the new cells with cell networks that already exist in the hippocampus and at efferent locations. Concurrent and synchronous activity provides a mechanism whereby the new neurons become integrated with the other neurons. This integration allows the present experience to become integrated with memories from the recent past in order to learn and predict when events will occur in the near future. In this way, neurogenesis and learning interact to maintain a fit brain.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.04.023

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  • Excessive dependence on AICs without concurrent cultivation of fundamental cognitive skills may lead to underutilization and subsequent loss of cognitive abilities.

    “The concept draws parallels with the 'use it or lose it' brain development principle (Shors et al., 2012), positing that excessive dependence on AICs without concurrent cultivation of fundamental cognitive skills may lead to underutilization and subsequent loss of cognitive abilities.”

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  1. [72]Overstreet Wadiche L Bromberg DA Bensen AL Westbrook GL GABAergic signaling to newborn neurons in dentate gyrus Journal of Neurophysiolology 2005 94 4528 32 16033936

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Authors
Shors, T. J., Anderson, M. L., Curlik, D. M., & Nokia, M. S.
Affiliations
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (US)
Corresponding author
Shors, T.J.
Venue
Behavioural Brain Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2012-02
Volume
227
Issue
2
Pages
450-458
ISSN
0166-4328 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2068118065
Cited by
190
References
110
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 22 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 12 · 2014: 15 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 9
FWCI
1.29
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Behavioural Brain Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation (IOB-0444364, IOS-0914386)
  • Jenny ja Antti Wihurin Rahasto
  • National Institutes of Health (ARRA-3R01MH059970-10S1, MH-59970)
  • Academy of Finland
  • Emil Aaltosen Säätiö
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
Keywords
adult neurogenesis, hippocampus, neuronal survival, synaptic integration, rhythmic neural activity, memory consolidation, prediction, brain fitness, physical activity, alcohol consumption, sexual behavior
MeSH terms
Animals, Brain, Learning, Models, Neurological, Nerve Net, Neurons, Neurogenesis

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