BDNF
Nerve growth factor
BDNF stands for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that supports the survival and growth of neurons.
It plays a central role in learning, memory, and brain plasticity.
BDNF levels increase with exercise, which partly explains the cognitive benefits of physical activity: Exercise boosts BDNF production.
Low BDNF is associated with depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
Signal-transmitting brain cells
- synapsesNeuron-to-neuron transmission points
- hippocampusMemory formation region
- cortexOrgan's external tissue
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
dendrite · neurogenesis · neurotransmitter · receptor · prefrontal · amygdala · thalamus · cerebellum
Mind's retention capacity
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- recallMemory retrieval act
- retentionContinued holding or possession
- consolidationCombining into unified whole
encoding · retrieval · episodic · semantic · declarative · cognition · cognitive · attention
Drug treating persistent despair
- exerciseActivity for fitness
- depressionProlonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- neurodegenerationProgressive loss of neurons
Alzheimer's · Parkinson's · neuropathy · schizophrenia · PTSD · biomarker · intervention · upregulation
Folded amino chain
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- peptideShort amino acid chain
- transcriptionWritten version of speech
translation · phosphorylation · kinase · pathway · secretion · polymorphism · biosynthesis
Brain's self-rewiring ability
- synapticOf nerve connections
- rewiringReplacing electrical connections
- reorganizationChanging how something's arranged
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
cortical · modifiable · flexibility · restructuring · neuromodulation
neurons
Signal-transmitting brain cells
- synapsesNeuron-to-neuron transmission points
- hippocampusMemory formation region
- cortexOrgan's external tissue
axon · dendrite · neurogenesis · neurotransmitter · receptor · prefrontal · amygdala · thalamus · cerebellum · brainstem
memory
Mind's retention capacity
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- recallMemory retrieval act
- retentionContinued holding or possession
consolidation · encoding · retrieval · episodic · semantic · declarative · cognition · cognitive · attention
antidepressant
Drug treating persistent despair
- exerciseActivity for fitness
- depressionProlonged low state
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
neurodegeneration · Alzheimer's · Parkinson's · neuropathy · schizophrenia · PTSD · biomarker · intervention · upregulation
protein
Folded amino chain
transcription · translation · phosphorylation · kinase · pathway · secretion · polymorphism · biosynthesis
neuroplasticity
Brain's self-rewiring ability
- synapticOf nerve connections
- rewiringReplacing electrical connections
- reorganizationChanging how something's arranged
adaptation · cortical · modifiable · flexibility · restructuring · neuromodulation
- neuroscienceneuron, MRI, neurons, synapses, dendrite
- brain markersmyelin basic protein, tangles, plaque buildup, alpha waves, beta waves
- Brain Supplementsomega-3, DHA, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, lion's mane
- Growth FactorsEPO, G-CSF, CSF, inhibin
- MyokinesIL-6
- Neural Proteinsbeta-amyloid, prion, parkin, slits, bassoon
Progressive loss of neurons
cognitive decline · LTD · demyelination · Alzheimer's disease · memory impairment
BDNFapoptosis
Programmed cell death
cell death · death · necrosis · atrophy · degeneration