Cognitive health depends on impulses that constantly pass between the 100 million brain cells (neurons) in the brain. One particular protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is instrumental in maintaining the connections that make the symphony of brain communication possible.
BDNF is just one player among many, but its role is essential for lifelong cognitive health. Optimizing BDNF with diet and lifestyle changes could help support brain volume, function, and adaptation, especially later in life.
Fertilizer for Brain Health
BDNF is a neurotrophin, a type of protein called a growth factor that supports the survival of the neurons in the brain’s communication network. As the most abundant neurotrophin in the brain, BDNF is found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. These areas are responsible for memory, emotions, spatial recognition, language processing, and movement.
Theresa Sam Houghton
Author
Theresa "Sam" Houghton is a freelance writer and health coach who has been nerding out about diet, health, and wellness for over a decade. Her writing appears regularly on The Upside blog by Vitacost and has been featured on NutritionStudies.org and Green Queen Media.
