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Sexual dimorphism in the relationship between brain complexity, volume and general intelligence (g): a cross-cohort
Anca-Larisa Sandu1, Gordon D Waiter2, Roger T Staff3
1Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Lilian Sutton Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK. anca.sandu-giuraniuc@abdn.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|June 30, 2022
Summary
Brain structural complexity and volume correlate with intelligence, particularly in women. This study investigated sex differences in these relationships across diverse UK and Indian populations, revealing insights into neurobiological variations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Radiology
Background:
- Brain morphology changes with development, aging, and disease.
- Fractal dimension (FD) quantifies brain structural complexity (gyral/sulcal shape).
- Brain complexity and volume link to intelligence, but sex differences are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate sex differences in the relationship between brain structural complexity and general intelligence (g).
- Examine these relationships in diverse UK and Indian populations.
Main Methods:
- Acquired 3D T1-weighted MRI data from three cohorts (MPC, ACONF, UK Biobank).
- Administered cognitive tests to estimate general intelligence (g).
- Computed MRI-derived structural brain complexity (FD) and brain volume.
Main Results:
- Brain complexity and volume positively correlated with intelligence across populations.
- Correlations were significant in women, but not consistently in men.
- Observed relationships across different ages and geographic locations.
Conclusions:
- Confirms a positive association between brain structural complexity, volume, and intelligence.
- Highlights significant sex differences in this association, with stronger correlations in women.
- Enhances understanding of neurobiological sex differences in cognitive abilities.
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