For example, although researchers have not been able, by the use of HGH therapy, to bring about the growth of new nerve cells, they have been able to induce renewed dendritic connections, which are the spidery-like arms that connect the neurons for communication. Also, since the glial cells, which are brain cells that nourish the neurons, are capable of being renewed, HGH may well have a positive impact on that front. This certainly suggests an avenue of fruitful research for the future.

A recent study conducted by Barbara Johnston, Peter Gluckman, and colleagues at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, demonstrated a striking result for IGF-1, the form in which HGH does much of its work. Injecting IGF-l into brain injured fetal lambs, they were able to save damaged neurons. As well, they were able to stave off apoptosis - the programmed death of cells - in these brain injured lambs. Apoptosis is generally thought to be an accompanying result from such brain injury, a result that may continue to take its toll for up to three days following the injury. The IGF-1 injections prevented these anticipated cell deaths.

HGH has also been shown to bring about increased concentrations of neurotransmitters in the brain. Since these neurotransmitters are the actual carriers of information from brain cell to brain cell, one would expect HGH to speed up and enhance brain function. And many who have undergone HGH replacement therapy have attested to just that: they've got back the sharp memory of younger days, recaptured the quick thinking. To quote Dr. Chein once again: "Loss of memory has long been linked to aging, and now, researchers have found a direct link between memory skills and the amount of growth hormone in the body."

One of Dr. Chein's own studies, done with Dr. Terry at Palm Springs, supports this strongly.
In that study, 62% of patients reported an improvement in memory.

To date, the results of HGH on brain structure and function have all been positive. And although HGH has not led researchers to the holy grail of neural research -the regeneration of neurons - it has shown many beneficial effects. Most importantly, HGH has shown that it may be effective in helping us to maintain our identity, to remain who we have always been as we go through the aging process.