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Brain development, gender and IQ in children. A volumetric imaging study
A L Reiss1, M T Abrams, H S Singer
1Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
This study reveals that while boys have larger brains than girls, total brain volume changes little after age five. Brain development in children shows significant age-related changes and correlates with IQ.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Normal brain development in children is not fully understood.
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and image analysis can map brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively map normal brain development and morphology in children and adolescents.
- To investigate gender differences and age-related changes in brain structure.
- To explore the relationship between brain volume and intelligence quotient (IQ).
Main Methods:
- Volumetric analysis of high-resolution MRI scans.
- Studied 85 healthy children and adolescents aged 5–17 years.
- Examined total cerebral volume, grey matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes.
Main Results:
- Boys have 10% larger total cerebral volume than girls, primarily due to increased cortical grey matter.
- Little change in total cerebral volume observed after age 5.
- Significant age-related changes in grey matter, white matter, and CSF volumes indicate ongoing CNS maturation.
- Consistent patterns of cerebral asymmetry observed in both genders.
- IQ positively correlated with total cerebral volume, especially prefrontal cortical grey matter.
Conclusions:
- Brain development involves significant age-related structural changes and gender differences.
- Brain volume, particularly cortical grey matter, is linked to cognitive abilities like IQ.
- Quantitative brain development data is crucial for diagnosing abnormalities and understanding brain dysfunction.