We all know that hippocampus is the seat of both memory as well as spatial abilities (cognitive map theory). We also know that most of the neurogeneisis in adult humans happens in hippocmapus. We also know that depression is caused by stress and both stress and depression lead to or are correlated with reduced neurogeneisis in the hippocmapus (my learning helplessness theory of depression) .

Now a new study has found that depressed people have impaired spatial navigation abilities. Putting 2 and 2 together it is highly plausible that this relationship between depression and impaired spatial navigation is mediated by the reduced neurogeneies or atrophy in hippocampus.

Relatedly, a good article (pdf) regarding how new anti-depressants are targeting neurogenesis in hippocampus as a mechanism to alleviate depression.

Three cheers to the cognitive map theory- the focus with which this blog started!!

Hat Tip: BPS Research Digest

GD Star Rating
loading...
GD Star Rating
loading...
Depression, Neurogenesis and Spatial navigation, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating

Effecient Related Posts:

  • No Related Posts

Related posts:

  1. Chronic stress, neurogenesis and depression Image via Wikipedia Chronically stressful life events have been shown...
  2. Antidepressants and neurogenesis / plasticity It is relatively less well known that much of the...
  3. Common mechanisms for learning (past), navigation(present) and dreams (future?) Sorry for the brief(?) hiatus. I have left my day...
  4. stress and neurogenesis: the orchid -dandelion effect Image by santoshnc via Flickr Chronic stress in mice leads...
  5. The varied causes of depression There is a new review article in CMAJ about the...