In some bird species, groups of cells involved in seasonal behaviours die after they have performed their function, but are regenerated by neurogenesis as and when they are needed.
the number of dividing cells was significantly affected not only by the nature of the social change, but also by the time at which that change took place. They also observed that the effects of the environment on neurogenesis were dependent upon the position of the new cells within the brain.
They therefore die off because of disuse, and are replaced by younger cells which can cope with the demands of the new environment.
a life-long regime of regularly meeting old friends and making new ones, combined with regular exercise, is an effective way of reducing age-related cognitive decline.
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