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Using fMRI to Investigate Memory in Young Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Henrica M A de Bie1, Michiel B de Ruiter2, Mieke Ouwendijk3
1Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Plos One
|July 2, 2015
Summary
Children born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit poorer memory function and altered brain activity in key memory regions. This study highlights the lasting neural effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant concern, often resulting in infants born small for gestational age (SGA).
- SGA is linked to potential neurodevelopmental challenges, including cognitive and brain structural differences.
- Early identification and understanding of these effects are crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate learning and memory capabilities in children born SGA.
- To examine brain activity patterns associated with memory using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).
- To compare cognitive and neural differences between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 34 SGA children and 18 AGA children aged 4-7 years.
- Assessed cognitive function via IQ, Digit/Word Span, and Location Learning tests.
- Employed a novel fMRI picture encoding task to evaluate memory-related brain activation.
Main Results:
- SGA children showed normal IQ but poorer memory performance compared to AGA peers.
- fMRI revealed memory-related activation in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus in both groups.
- Children born SGA demonstrated reduced activation in the left parahippocampal region.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first fMRI evidence of distinct brain activation patterns in young children born SGA.
- Findings suggest that IUGR has persistent effects on neural functioning impacting memory processes.
- These results underscore the importance of continued monitoring and support for children born SGA.
