Topic: neural precursor cells

Neurogenesis, the process in which neural precursor cells differentiate into mature neurons, occurs also postnatally and is critical to cognitive processes such as learning and memory. A main neurogenic niche is located in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, a brain area greatly involved in learning and memory. During the normal process of aging, hippocampal neurogenesis decreases substantially, and it is suggested that this decrease starts at the very first stages, if not immediately prior to, the development of mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia. Unfortunately, despite the increasin