In this episode I talk with Professor Sandrine Thuret at Kings College London about her research on how different molecules in the diet affect neuroplasticity in general and hippocampal neurogenesis in particular. She has shown in preclinical studies that certain dietary factor including omega-3 fatty acids can counteract the adverse effects of chronic psychological stress on neurogenesis. She has also shown that intermittent fasting enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and improves cognition. Thuret has also found that factors circulating in the blood can either enhance or inhibit neurogenesis, and may either promote brain health or contribute to brain dysfunction in disorders such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.

LINKS:

Effects of intermittent fasting on neurogenesis and memory:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8760057/pdf/41380_2021_Article_1102.pdf

Omega-3 fatty acids and neurogenesis:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7341841/pdf/41398_2020_Article_908.pdf

Phytochemicals and brain resilience:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4081729/pdf/pr.113.007757.pdf

Serum factors:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10151193/pdf/awac472.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8612606/pdf/ad-12-8-2151.pdf