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Anthropometric differences between twins at birth and their association with later cognitive performance
Robert Eves1,2, Marco Deppe3, Christian Kandler1,3
1Department of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
Summary
Relative birthweight, reflecting prenatal conditions, is linked to later cognitive performance. This association persists after accounting for genetic and environmental influences, suggesting a direct impact on cognitive development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Previous research suggests a link between birth measurements and cognitive abilities.
- Genetic and environmental factors may confound these associations.
- The influence of prenatal conditions on cognitive development requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between birth anthropometrics and cognitive performance in twins.
- To determine if genetic and environmental factors confound this relationship.
- To explore nonlinear associations or moderation by zygosity and age.
Main Methods:
- Utilized longitudinal data from over 2000 twin pairs (German TwinLife study).
- Employed the co-twin control method to account for shared genetics and environment.
- Assessed cognitive performance at ages 12 and 18, analyzing differences in birthweight and head circumference.
Main Results:
- Within-twin differences in relative birthweight were associated with cognitive performance at age 12.
- This association was not significant when considering twins with data at both waves.
- Differences in head circumference showed no significant association with cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Relative birthweight, an indicator of prenatal conditions, is associated with later cognition, independent of genetic and shared environmental factors.
- The association between relative birthweight and cognition is not moderated by age.
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