A type of neuroplasticity where the brain can generate entirely new neurons in specific areas of the brain. like the hippocampus, which is essential for memory and learning.
In the adult brain, neurogenesis is primarily limited to two specific areas: the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (essential for memory and learning) and the subventricular zone (which provides new neurons for the olfactory bulb).
In the juvenile brain, neurogenesis is significantly more robust and widespread. Importantly, however, there are specific “windows of opportunity” where the juvenile brain is hyper-plastic. For example, if a child isn’t exposed to language or certain visual stimuli during these windows, the brain may prune those unused pathways, making it much harder to develop those skills later in life.