Enhanced neuron growth in the hippocampus helps mice forget strong, maladaptive memories, indicating new treatment possibilities for PTSD or drug addiction. The research, involving the University of Toronto and Kyushu University, suggests altering neural connections in the hippocampus aids in memory forgetting.

Worldwide, approximately 3.9% of people suffer from PTSD, experiencing symptoms like flashbacks and avoidance, with current treatments being therapy or medication. The study focuses on neurogenesis in the hippocampus and its role in forgetting traumatic memories through the disruption and replacement of neural connections.

Experimentation showed that mice retained PTSD-like symptoms weeks after traumatic events, but these could potentially be mitigated through exercise, boosting neuron growth.