• Question: how long do brain cells live for?

    Asked by ninjanae to Tim, Suzi, Damien on 23 Jun 2011. This question was also asked by evlyn123.
    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 23 Jun 2011:

      Hi @ninjanae and @evlyn123
      Great question.
      For a long time it was thought that your brain cells pretty much ‘live’ as long as you do! You’re born with nearly all the brain cells you’ll ever have. Noe research seems to suggest that brain cells are replaced every 7 years or so.

      That said, I don’t think the replacement happens in every area of the brain – some brain cells you’ll have all your life, I think.

      This isn’t my area of expertise though so someone may correct me!

      Hope this helps!

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