Stuttering and gray matter morphometry: A population-based neuroimaging study in young children

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Speech and Language Pathology

Background:

• Developmental stuttering is a common childhood speech disorder.
• Previous research suggests an association between stuttering and brain structure differences.
• Replication in large cohorts is crucial for understanding stuttering's neurobiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate the association between stuttering and structural brain morphometry.
• To explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stuttering in children.
• To analyze gray matter volume and cortical thickness in relation to stuttering.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Generation R Study, a large, population-based prospective cohort.
• Included 26 children with a history of stuttering and 489 fluent peers (ages 6-9).
• Employed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for cortical and subcortical region analysis using linear regression models and surface-based morphometry.

Main Results:

• Children with a history of stuttering exhibited reduced gray matter volume in the left inferior frontal gyrus and supplementary motor area compared to fluent speakers.
• Surface-based analysis revealed thinner cortex in the left inferior frontal gyrus, as well as bilateral frontal and parietal regions in children who stutter.
• Findings align with prior studies indicating aberrant brain morphometry in speech motor and auditory regions in children with stuttering.

Conclusions:

• This study corroborates the link between stuttering and altered brain structure in children.
• Observed differences in gray matter volume and cortical thickness highlight potential neurobiological underpinnings of stuttering.
• Further research is warranted to investigate the causal relationship between these brain morphometry findings and stuttering.