Better muscle strength, cartilage increase, and overall growth are the result of Growth Hormone; it is often wondered if the Human Growth Hormone has any positive or negative effects on the body. But does growth hormone make people smarter?
Growth hormone (GH) is able to improve cognitive aspects (learning, memory, judgment, language, etc.) as one of its functions, making it technically a brain booster.
Research has shown that GH can act on the brain in a variety of ways, including promoting the growth and differentiation of neurons, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and increasing the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
These effects can lead to improvements in cognitive function, including better memory retention and retrieval, faster learning, improved decision-making and problem-solving abilities, and increased creativity.
HGH helps in the secretion of essential proteins that aid in brain functions. GH supports the anabolism of proteins, regulation of metabolism, and mobilization of stored triglycerides.
These enzymes together with hepatic glucose secretion, help HGH boost brain functions.
Per an article on the PubMed Central publication, HGH provides neuro-protection and enhances neurogenesis, essential for proper mental faculties.
One way that GH can improve cognitive function is by stimulating the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is critical for learning and memory.
GH has been shown to promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the hippocampus, leading to the production of new neurons and an overall increase in hippocampal volume.
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) does not actually lower the affected individual’s intelligence that much (in fact, he/she can live normally despite their below average height), but it can have a significant impact on his/her concentration and focus, which can affect their ability to learn and perform tasks effectively.
However his/her concentration and quality of life do tend to improve once he/she undergoes GH treatment.
Treatment to boost the levels of HGH has also shows improved mental function. Not only does concentration on tasks improve as a result, but the overall brain function.
Per an article on the Wiley Online Library publication, HGH mediates in the secretion of IGF-1. This enzyme permeates the blood-brain barrier and hence targets regions associated with behavioral and cognitive effects.
In contrast, people born small for gestational age/SGA (born prematurely or less than 5 pounds and 8 inches) may have problems when it comes to academic performance, social intelligence, and their behaviors for certain factors.
This is because they had low IGF-1, which is important for brain development. Apparently, they did not receive enough nutrition when still in the womb and their mother was small or had an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking or substance abuse, which can also impact the baby’s development, for instances). SGA babies are more likely to struggle in school, especially in subjects like math and science.
They may also have difficulty with social skills and emotional regulation, which can impact their ability to form relationships and interact with others.
Yvonne K. van Pareren et al. created a hypothesis that individuals who were born small for gestational age (SGA) and are experiencing developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other related issues due to low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), such problems could be cured or at least alleviated with GH therapy.
In 1991, having been allowed by the ethics committee in the Netherlands and the written consents signed by the children’s parents and/or guardians, they assessed 79 children born SGA (though the number was reduced to 73 as 6 of them dropped out) using a double-blind, randomized trial method, and (before the study even began) asked the parents to fill in the questionnaire regarding their occupation and socioeconomic status scaled 1 – 3.
The male participants were 3 – 11 years old and female 3 – 9 years old.
They were required to not experience sudden growth-up spurt and be still in the prepubertal phase. 10 years later, the researchers evaluated 53 children’s IQ and psychosocial aspects.
They received daily 0.035 – 0.07 mg/kg subcutaneous r-HGH Norditropin injection until they had finally grown up normally, and were tested using Wechsler Intelligence Scale subtests, standardized questionnaires designed by Achenbach, and the Harter Self-Perception Profile questionnaires.
Yvonne and her fellow researchers discovered that most of the participants gained a rather decent increase of their height, higher IQ score average, was smarter, more confident, and far more well-behaved, implied to be partly caused by their upper-class (or at least upper-middle) family background.
It is possible that the participants who received GH therapy had access to better healthcare, education, and other resources, which could have contributed to their improved outcomes.
There is also another study that was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology conducted in 1998 by researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
The study involved 30 patients with major depression who were treated with either HGH or placebo for six weeks. The researchers measured mood, energy levels, and quality of life using standardized rating scales.
The study found that HGH treatment in patients with major depression led to significant improvements in mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
The patients who received HGH showed significant improvements in mood and brain function compared to the placebo group.
Another randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism was conducted in 2006 by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke’s Hospital in the United Kingdom.
The study involved 60 healthy older adults who were randomly assigned to receive either HGH treatment or placebo for six months. The researchers measured cognitive performance using a battery of tests, including tests of memory, attention, and executive function.
As people age, their mental capacities also decrease. This progressive mental decline can result in complications such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
However, studies indicate the treatment with GHRH Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone, GH growth homes and IGF-1 can substantially improve brain functions.
Per an article on the PubMed Central publication, this three hormonal intervention could treat adults with mild cognitive impairment.
The trial found that HGH treatment in healthy older adults improved cognitive performance, including memory and attention. The participants who received HGH showed significant improvements in cognitive performance compared to the placebo group.
Improving mood and energy levels through HGH treatment may indirectly benefit cognitive functioning and, therefore, improve overall cognitive performance which can make a person smarter.
SIMILAR QUESTION
Does Hgh Help With Memory?
In recent years, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has been hyped as a “miracle” drug that can improve everything from muscle mass to cognitive functioning. While it’s true that HGH plays a role in physical development, its effects on memory are less clear. This paper will examine the current research on HGH and memory, exploring the potential benefits and risks associated with its use.
First, it’s important to understand how HGH works. HGH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is essential for growth, development, and various metabolic processes. Its production decreases with age, leading some to believe that supplementing with HGH could slow the aging process or even reverse some of its effects.
When it comes to memory, the evidence is mixed. Some studies have found that HGH can help improve memory and cognition in healthy adults. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that HGH improved memory and mental processing speed in healthy men aged 65 to 88. However, it’s important to note that this study was relatively small, and more research is needed to confirm the results.
In addition, some studies have looked at the effects of HGH in people with Alzheimer’s disease. While early research suggested a potential benefit, more recent studies have found that HGH has no effect on memory in Alzheimer’s patients.
It’s also important to note that the use of HGH is not without risks. Side effects can include higher blood sugar levels, joint pain, and increased risk of certain cancers. For these reasons, it’s important to speak with a doctor before considering HGH supplementation.
In conclusion, while HGH may have some potential benefits for memory and cognitive functioning, the evidence is still mixed. More research is needed before deciding whether or not to use HGH for memory enhancement. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use.
