Neurogenesis, Eye and Brain Health – Artificial neurons successfully communicate with living brain cells

As we get older, it’s common to notice changes in memory, focus, and mental sharpness. Researchers often discuss these changes in relation to neurogenesis—the ongoing creation of new brain cells—which tends to slow down with age. Because neurogenesis supports the brain’s ability to adapt and maintain itself (often called plasticity), a decline may be associated with reduced cognitive performance over time.

Age-related factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation are frequently discussed as reasons neurogenesis may slow down. At the same time, healthy dietary patterns and lifestyle habits are often studied for their potential to support brain health and the processes involved in maintaining brain tissue.

New Study on Artificial Neurons

A recent mouse study tested artificial neurons designed to interface directly with the nervous system. If this technology continues to develop, it could support future tools such as brain–machine interfaces and neuro-prosthetics—potentially helping restore functions like vision, hearing, and movement in certain situations. ¹

One challenge is that the brain doesn’t send information the way computers do. Instead of one uniform “signal language,” it uses many different neuron types, each with a specific job. Those cells connect in three-dimensional networks that are always being updated—strengthening, weakening, and rerouting connections as we learn and adapt.

This study team built artificial neurons using soft, printable materials intended to more closely match brain-like structure.

Natural Ways to Promote Brain Cell Regeneration (Neurogenesis)

Even while researchers explore advanced technologies, many people want practical steps they can take now. Common habits discussed for supporting brain health include regular aerobic activity, choosing nutrient-dense foods (including polyphenols and omega-3s), and protecting basics like good sleep and stress management. These approaches are often discussed in connection with higher levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein involved in neuron growth and survival. ²

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where protecting nerve tissue matters, because the optic nerve is part of the same broader nervous system that the brain belongs to. To understand why glaucoma can lead to vision loss, it helps to start with what the optic nerve does.

How does the optic nerve work? The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that carries visual signals from the eye to the brain. Retinal ganglion cells sit at the start of this pathway. When light enters the eye, photoreceptors convert it into electrical signals, which are passed along to retinal ganglion cells. From there, the signals travel through their axons to the brain’s visual processing areas (visual cortex), where the brain interprets them as sight. When the optic nerve is damaged, that signal pathway is disrupted.

Researchers have also created “optic nerve on a chip” systems to study how glaucoma damages the cells that connect the eye to the brain. ³

Glaucoma is the most common optic neuropathy linked to damage of retinal ganglion cell axons, and it is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is projected to affect over 100 million people by 2040. ⁴

It has often been assumed that axonal damage is irreversible, but research into how axons are damaged—and what it might take to protect or regenerate central nervous system tissue—has been advancing.

Nutrients That Help Support and Nourish Optic Nerve Cells

The majority of glaucoma patients have the diagnosis of “open-angle glaucoma,” meaning that eye pressure (IOP) stays higher than normal, eventually resulting in loss of peripheral vision if not treated. Many cases are treated with eye drop medication.

At the same time, many peer-reviewed studies discuss glaucoma in the broader context of optic nerve health and support. The idea presented here is that if essential nutrients are not available and delivered to optic nerve tissue, damage may continue even when eye pressure is controlled. This is also discussed in relation to normal-tension and low-tension glaucoma.

This draft lists nutrients commonly discussed for optic nerve support, including: taurine, alpha lipoic acid, n-acetyl-carnosine, magnesium, folic acid (folate is the naturally occurring form in food), vitamin B12, bilberry, ginkgo biloba, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Regarding optic nerve regeneration, current research indicates that this does not occur naturally. Given that optic nerve cells are brain cells and nerve tissue, and brain cells do regenerate, this draft suggests it may be possible to get some nerve regeneration with nutrients similar to those that support brain cell regeneration. This is not currently proven in research done to date.

Related Diseases

Several hereditary disorders also result in optic nerve damage, including the mitochondria related Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy and various genetic dominant optic atrophies. ⁵

In addition, other common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease also appear to affect retinal ganglion cells, quite possibly through axonal damage. ⁶

Age-related decline in cognitive function has been characterized by compromised neuronal plasticity, decreased neurogenesis, and neuronal death. ⁷

Impaired adult neurogenesis has also been well characterized in patients with neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, ischemia, autism spectrum disorders, and prion diseases, leading to continuous loss of neurons and subsequent cognitive and motor disabilities. ⁸

Chronic inflammation, which appears more frequently as one ages, is associated with long-lasting disruption of adult neurogenesis processes and plays a major role in neurodegenerative disease. ⁹

Oxidative stress has been considered one of the most potent environmental factors negatively affecting neurogenesis because it inhibits various stages of adult neurogenesis. ¹⁰

Oxidative stress in the central nervous system, characterized by increased reactive oxygen species release, is a critical factor in cellular injury and in the activation of both acute and chronic neuroinflammation, thereby inhibiting adult neurogenesis. ¹¹

Many dietary components have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, protect against cellular damage, and improve cognitive function. ¹²

Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, blueberry polyphenols, sulforaphanes, salvionic acids, PUFAs (e.g., omega-3 and DHA), and flours rich in soluble fibers have been shown to induce neurogenesis in the adult brain. ¹³

These compounds are discussed as potentially working through multiple pathways—reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, supporting cell signaling, activating autophagy, and affecting growth factors. ¹⁴

Many of these mechanisms are also discussed in relation to learning and memory, especially in the hippocampus. The broader theme is resilience: supporting repair and survival pathways, including trophic factors, antioxidant and DNA-repair enzymes, and proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Autophagy in the brain is a natural, essential cellular cleaning process that repairs, detoxifies, and regenerates brain cells by breaking down and recycling damaged, aged, or defective components. It acts as the brain’s quality control system, helping limit the buildup of toxic protein aggregates (like amyloid or tau) that are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. ¹⁵

Folic Acid and Folate

In later life, low concentrations of folates are associated with reduced cognitive ability. ¹⁶

Supplementation with folic acid has been shown to slow cognitive and clinical decline in people with mild cognitive impairment, in particular in those with elevated homocysteine, which is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ¹⁷

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is known to play a major role in proper brain development and function. Many clinical studies have indicated that low-normal levels (150–300 pmol/L) are strongly correlated with cognitive impairment. Deficient B12 can be related to white matter damage in the brain, which is known to be associated with cognitive deficits. Because vitamin B12 is needed for DNA replication, an inadequate supply could impair neurogenesis. Another proposed mechanism is impaired methylation caused by insufficient vitamin B12, which may contribute to loss of myelin from axons. ¹⁸

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in nuts, seed oil, and leafy green vegetables. Along with vitamin C, it is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies have shown that vitamin E can regulate adult neurogenesis. ¹⁹

Omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs)

Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of PUFA commonly found in fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and their respective oils. They are necessary to the structure and function of the brain. Clinical studies indicate an improvement in cognitive function with DHA or PUFA supplementation in the population with habitual diets low in DHA. Preclinical research suggests that one mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids could improve cognition is by increasing adult neurogenesis. ²⁰

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a class of phytochemicals present in a wide variety of plant foods, and they are discussed as underlying compounds with broad health benefits found in fruits and vegetables. Berry fruit has been shown to improve cognition in both animals and humans. ²¹²²²³

Blueberry has been shown to increase neurogenesis, and grapeseed extract is also mentioned in this context. ²⁴

Curcumin

Curcumin, a polyphenol found in turmeric, has been studied for its potential health benefits. Research suggests it may promote brain health by increasing or stabilizing adult neurogenesis. ²⁵

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a stilbene found in peanuts, tree nuts, grapes, cocoa, wine, and berry fruits, and it is discussed as potentially promoting neurogenesis along with other health benefits, including reducing inflammation and acting as a potent antioxidant. ²⁶

Diet

Diets high in fat and refined sugars contribute to age-related cognitive decline and dementia. ²⁷

Other studies have found that high-fat and high-refined sugar diets affect neurogenesis and neuroplasticity through a decrease in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ²⁸

BDNF is a vital mediator of neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity implicated in the formation of long-term memory. Reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and impaired spatial memory also have been linked to high fructose consumption and insulin resistance. ²⁹³⁰³¹

In contrast, calorie restriction appears to increase BDNF, neurogenesis, and the survival of newly generated cells. ³²

Supplement Recommendations

Dr. Grossman’s Complete Eye Formula 2oz (oral spray)

Dr. Grossman’s Circulation and Optic Nerve Support Formula

Viteyes Optic Nerve Support Formula – 90 tablets

Dr. Grossman’s ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – wild-crafted herbal formula that supports healthy circulation and energy flow in the eyes and throughout the body, as well as supporting nerve health.

Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula 60 vcaps – whole food, organic, GMO-free formula.

Cognirev Extra Strength 2 oz Oral Spray – a combination of herbs and nutrients to support healthy brain function.

OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 2400 5 fl oz

Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C – (plant-based) 60 vcaps Formula

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic)

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml) – wildcrafted herbal tincture

Packages
Optic Nerve A-Support Package 1

Optic Nerve Eye Pressure Support Package 1

Optic Nerve Regen Package 1A – helps support optic nerve health and promote nerve regeneration.

Brain and Memory Support Package 1

Books

Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally 

Natural Parkinson’s Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s