Lifestyle and Behavioural Intervention Therapy for Enhanced Hippocampal Neuroplasticity
ABSTRACT Background The neurogenic and neuroplastic capability of the brain plays a crucial role in mitigating responses to internal and external environmental stimuli. However, this process is inhibited in obesity, neurodegenerative and psychological disorders, the prevalence of which has increased on a global scale. To date, there is no real effective way to ameliorate these conditions except for lifestyle and behavioural interventions. Lifestyle interventions, such as dietary regulation, nutrient supplementation, physical activity and environmental enrichment, can positively modulate neurogenic capacity. Aim This review describes various lifestyle modifications and how these impact the neurogenesis of adult brains. Results Ideally, multimodal approaches incorporating several of these interventions could be employed to enhance neurogenesis and facilitate constructive neuroplastic remodelling. This has promising potential in supporting brain health and contributing to the management of various neurological conditions, including brain injuries and can promote healthy ageing, although its impact on longevity remains to be fully understood. Conclusion The observed improvement in the measured outcomes elicited through these interventions cannot be ignored. Thus, further efforts should be made to investigate this topic and research field to identify more evidence‐based impacts of lifestyle modifications on neuroplasticity and related processes.
Authors
- Brendon Pearce (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7501-5771)
- Ebrahim Samodien (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8973-7329)
- Melisse Erasmus (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1901-001X)
- Sylvester I. Omoruyi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1119-7780)
- Nireshni Chellan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9968-0998)
Institutions
- South African Medical Research Council (ZA)
- University of the Witwatersrand (ZA)
- Stellenbosch University (ZA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Published
- 2025-11-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.70045
- Primary Topic
- Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- South African Medical Research Council
- Medical Research Council
- Division of Research Capacity Development