Sacramento, California – Researchers at UC Davis Health have made a fascinating discovery regarding the growth of human brains over time. Contrary to popular belief that humans may be getting dumber, studies show that our brains are actually increasing in both volume and surface area. By comparing MRI scans of individuals born in the 1930s with those born in the 1970s, researchers found evidence of brain growth that may have implications for reducing the risk of dementia.
The study, part of the long-standing Framingham Heart Study, analyzed brain size in over 3,000 participants between 1999 and 2019. The results indicated that the brains of individuals born in the 1970s had increased in volume by 6.6% and in surface area by 15%. This growth is attributed to improved nutrition during critical developmental stages in pregnancy and childhood, according to experts.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Charles DeCarli, noted that larger brain structures, as observed in their research, may indicate enhanced brain development and overall brain health. This larger brain reserve could potentially buffer the effects of age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in later life.
While the findings are promising, it is essential to acknowledge that the study participants were predominantly healthy, well-educated, non-Hispanic whites. Experts caution that social-cultural and health disparities present in other demographic groups may impact brain health differently. This highlights the need for further research to understand the broader implications of brain growth on dementia risk across various populations.
In a fascinating parallel development, CNN reports on the discovery of an archive containing ancient human brains, some dating back up to 12,000 years. This archive offers researchers valuable insights into the prevalence of brain diseases over thousands of years and underscores the importance of studying brain health across different time periods. Scientists are working to unravel the mysteries of how soft tissue in these ancient brains has managed to survive for millennia in various conditions.
Overall, the research on brain growth and its impact on dementia risk offers a glimpse into the complexities of brain health. While the findings provide hope for potential strategies to mitigate cognitive decline, further studies are needed to fully understand the interplay between brain growth, health disparities, and neurological diseases across diverse populations.