Charting Brain Development in Graphs, Diagrams, and Figures from Childhood, Adolescence, to Early Adulthood: Neuroimaging Implications for Neuropsychology

Author(s):  
Erin D. Bigler
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Malone ◽  
Jeremy Harper ◽  
William G. Iacono

Time-frequency representations of electroencephalographic signals lend themselves to granular analysis of cognitive and psychological processes. Characterizing developmental trajectories of time-frequency measures can thus inform us about the development of the processes involved. We decomposed EEG activity in a large sample of individuals (N = 1692; 917 females) assessed at approximately three-year intervals from the age of 11 to their mid-20s. Participants completed an oddball task that elicits a robust P3 response. Principal component analysis served to identify meaningful dimensions of time-frequency energy. Component loadings were virtually identical across assessment waves. A common and stable set of time-frequency dynamics thus characterized EEG activity throughout this age range. Trajectories of change in component scores suggest that aspects of brain development reflected in these components comprise two distinct phases, with marked decreases in component amplitude throughout much of adolescence followed by smaller yet significant rates of decreases into early adulthood. Although the structure of time-frequency activity was stable throughout adolescence and early adulthood, we observed subtle change in component loadings as well. Our findings suggest that striking developmental change in event-related potentials emerges through gradual change in the magnitude and timing of a stable set of dimensions of time-frequency activity, illustrating the usefulness of time-frequency representations of EEG signals and longitudinal designs for understanding brain development. In addition, two components were associated with childhood externalizing psychopathology, independent of sex, which extends the existing literature and provides proof of concept of the notion that developmental trajectories might serve as candidate endophenotypes for psychiatric disorders.


2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-384 ◽  

In the course of development, the brain undergoes a remarkable process of restructuring as it adapts to the environment and becomes more efficient in processing information. A variety of brain imaging methods can be used to probe how anatomy, connectivity, and function change in the developing brain. Here we review recent discoveries regarding these brain changes in both typically developing individuals and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. We begin with typical development, summarizing research on changes in regional brain volume and tissue density, cortical thickness, white matter integrity, and functional connectivity. Space limits preclude the coverage of all neurodevelopmental disorders; instead, we cover a representative selection of studies examining neural correlates of autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Fragile X, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and Turner syndrome. Where possible, we focus on studies that identify an age by diagnosis interaction, suggesting an altered developmental trajectory. The studies we review generally cover the developmental period from infancy to early adulthood. Great progress has been made over the last 20 years in mapping how the brain matures with MR technology. With ever-improving technology, we expect this progress to accelerate, offering a deeper understanding of brain development, and more effective interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.


Author(s):  
Olga R. Dietlin ◽  
Kathryn Maslowe ◽  
Linda Hahn

Students of all ages develop best in the context of caring relationships, and this chapter discusses why it is true from the neurobiological perspective. The chapter covers the historical highlights of collaborative work in neuroscience and education; the neurobiology of human development in the context of nurturing or problematic relationships from infancy through early adulthood; latest research that shows how supportive and secure relationships stimulate brain development and promote emotional regulation that enhances learning; neurobiology of childhood trauma, and pedagogical and counseling implications; and wider applications of the presented findings in fostering student support in schools and on college campuses.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn L. Mills ◽  
Kimberly D. Siegmund ◽  
Christian K. Tamnes ◽  
Lia Ferschmann ◽  
Lara M. Wierenga ◽  
...  

AbstractA fundamental task in neuroscience is to characterize the brain’s developmental course. While replicable group-level models of structural brain development from childhood to adulthood have recently been identified, we have yet to quantify and understand individual differences in structural brain development. The present study examined individual variability and sex differences in changes in brain structure, as assessed by anatomical MRI, across ages 8.0–26.0 years in 269 participants (149 females) with three time points of data (807 scans), drawn from three longitudinal datasets collected in the Netherlands, Norway, and USA. We further investigated the relationship between overall brain size and developmental changes, as well as how females and males differed in change variability across development. There was considerable individual variability in the magnitude of changes observed for all included brain measures. However, distinct developmental patterns of change were observed for total brain and cortical gray matter, cortical thickness, and white matter surface area, with individuals demonstrating either stability or decreases in early adolescence, then almost universal decreases during mid-to-late adolescence, before returning to more variable patterns in early adulthood. White matter volume demonstrated a similar developmental pattern of variability, but with individuals shifting from increases to a majority stabilizing during mid-to-late adolescence. We observed sex differences in these patterns, and also an association between an individual’s brain size and their overall rate of change. The present study provides new insight as to the amount of individual variance in changes in structural morphometrics from late childhood to early adulthood in order to obtain a more nuanced picture of brain development. The observed individual- and sex-differences in brain changes also highlight the importance of further studying individual variation in developmental patterns in healthy, at-risk, and clinical populations.


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Tissot ◽  
L.D. Dorn ◽  
D. Rotenstein ◽  
S.R. Rose ◽  
L.M. Sontag-Padilla ◽  
...  

AbstractContemporary research indicates that brain development occurs during childhood and into early adulthood, particularly in certain regions. A critical question is whether premature or atypical hormone exposures impact brain development (e.g., structure) or function (e.g., neuropsychological functioning). The current study enrolled 40 girls (aged 6–8 years) diagnosed with premature adrenarche (PA) and a comparison group of 36 girls with on-time maturation. It was hypothesized that girls with PA would demonstrate lower IQ and performance on several neuropsychological tasks. The potential for a sexually dimorphic neuropsychological profile in PA was also explored. No significant univariate or multivariate group differences emerged for any neuropsychological instrument. However, effect size confidence intervals contained medium-sized group differences at the subscale level. On-time girls performed better on verbal, working memory, and visuospatial tasks. Girls with PA showed improved attention, but not a sexually dimorphic profile. These results, though preliminary, suggest that premature maturation may influence neuropsychological functioning. (JINS, 2012, 18, 151–156)


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian K. Tamnes ◽  
Kathryn L. Mills

The human brain undergoes a remarkably protracted development. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has allowed us to capture these changes through longitudinal investigations. In this chapter, we describe the typical developmental trajectories of human brain structure between childhood and early adulthood. We focus on measurements of brain morphometry and measurements derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). By integrating findings from multiple longitudinal investigations with seminal cellular studies, we describe neurotypical patterns of structural brain development and possible underlying biological mechanisms. Finally, we highlight several new measures and approaches to examine structural brain development.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 633-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Canice E. Crerand ◽  
Ari N. Rabkin

Purpose This article reviews the psychosocial risks associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a relatively common genetic condition associated with a range of physical and psychiatric problems. Risks associated with developmental stages from infancy through adolescence and early adulthood are described, including developmental, learning, and intellectual disabilities as well as psychiatric disorders including anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. Other risks related to coping with health problems and related treatments are also detailed for both affected individuals and their families. Conclusion The article ends with strategies for addressing psychosocial risks including provision of condition-specific education, enhancement of social support, routine assessment of cognitive abilities, regular mental health screening, and referrals for empirically supported psychiatric and psychological treatments.


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