Adult Neurogenesis and Cognitive Function: Relevance for Disorders Associated with Human Aging

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons and their functional integration into the existing hippocampal circuitry. This process occurs throughout life in the hippocampus of the mammalian brain. The process of neurogenesis is a striking example of the high capacity for neural plasticity that exists throughout the lifespan in the central nervous system. This chapter outlines the significant findings that have informed our understanding of the process of adult neurogenesis, and further describes current hypotheses about the role of newborn neurons in brain function and behavior. In particular, we focus on the special cellular properties of these newly born neurons, and how they may contribute to specific facets of cognition and affective behaviors.