Physical exercise activates endogenous neural stem cells in the aged brain

On Wednesday 18 May, Dr Daniel Blackmore of the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) will speak on how physical exercise activates endogenous neural stem cells in the aged brain, as part of QBI's ongoing Neuroscience Seminar series.
 
Given the rapid increase in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, it is of critical importance to identify strategies to slow, prevent or even reverse age-associated cognitive decline. 
 
Although it is well-established that normal aging correlates with decreases in neurogenesis and cognitive function, little is currently known regarding the effects of aging on the endogenous neural precursor cell population.  
 
Given that stem cells in other organs throughout the body are known to become compromised with advancing age such that they are unable to effectively replace lost or damaged cells, we sought to determine whether this was also the case for neural stem cells and whether slowing or reversing the decline would result in improved function. 
 
Previously published studies have shown that physical exercise increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus in both young and aged mice, and can slow age-related memory loss. 
 
Based on these findings we sought to determine whether exercise could slow or reverse the age-related decline in the neural stem cells that are responsible for new cell production. 
 
Moreover, we are investigating potential mechanisms responsible for the physical exercise dependent activation of the endogenous neural stem cells and find that growth hormone may be intimately involved in the activation process.  
 
DETAILS: 
 
Date: Wednesday 18 May
Time: 12:00 - 1:00PM
Location: Level 7 Auditorium QBI

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