A study published in Pediatrics found that head growth from birth to age 1 is tied to intelligence.
The study looked at information from more than 600 children whose head circumference was measured regularly from birth to 8 years of age. Intelligence was assessed at both 4 and 8 years of age using standard IQ testing.
They found that children who had the greatest growth in head circumference from birth to one year had significantly higher IQ scores at both 4 and 8 years of age.
This study supports previous evidence that brain size is indicative of intelligence or cognitive ability. Other studies in older persons have found this association to persist through old age. Larger brain size may also protect against the development of dementia and other conditions associated with cognitive decline.
Early brain development and growth is becoming more and more important in terms of cognitive ability than previously thought. Determining which factors influence brain growth and head circumference may be the next step.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 15, 2006 01:03 PM
