A recent study published in the journal JAMA Neurology on March 26 reveals that people born in the 1970s have experienced a 6.6% increase in brain volume compared to the 1930s generation. This increase in brain size is believed to help reduce the risk of dementia in old age. The Framingham Heart Study, launched in 1948 in Massachusetts, includes participants born in every decade since the 1930s.
The research team analyzed MRI images from 3,226 participants taken from 1999-2019 and found that the average brain volume increased from 1,234 ml to 1,321 ml over this period. The cortical surface area of those born in the 1970s was nearly 15% larger than those born in earlier decades.
Neuroscientist Charles DeCarli noted that genetics play a role in determining brain size, but external factors such as health, social, cultural and educational influences can also impact brain development. The team believes that larger brain volume may indicate better brain preservation and development, leading to improved brain health and potentially lower risk of dementia in old age.
The study also found that the size of the hippocampus has been increasing with each decade, along with an increase in white and gray matter in the brain. These findings suggest improved brain development and health for individuals born later decades. While more research is needed to understand exactly how increased brain size impacts long-term health, these findings offer promising insights into the connection between brain size and cognitive health.
Overall, this study suggests that improving early-life environmental factors can have a significant impact on an individual’s cognitive health as they age.
