Ever wonder why some injuries just don't seem to heal? According to Professor Fan Dongsheng, neurons – the nerve cells powering our thoughts, memories, and movements – are in a class of their own. Once these cells break down, they typically cannot be replaced or regenerated.
In his recent Health Talk, Prof Fan, director of the Department of Neurology at Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, the Chinese mainland, explains how both physical and mental stress act like silent threats to our neurons. When stress levels spike, the body's protective mechanisms can falter, opening the door to gradual neural breakdown.
Why Neurons Don't Bounce Back
- Non-renewable: Unlike skin or muscle cells, damaged neurons rarely make a comeback.
- Stress triggers: Chronic physical or mental strain can wear down the fine structures of nerve cells.
- Long-term risks: Neuron loss is linked to cognitive decline, mood shifts, and reduced motor skills.
Protect and Preserve
While neurons can't be rebooted, daily self-care, like mindfulness practices, regular movement, and quality sleep, helps keep stress in check and supports neural resilience.
Understanding the limits of neuron repair reminds us to treat our minds with the same care as our bodies. By building healthy habits, we invest in the strength and longevity of our most vital cellular network.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
