The Surprising Growth of Human Brains: A Study in the JAMA Neurology Sheds Light on Improving Cognitive Function and Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s

A recent study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people’s brains are getting larger over time. This could be a positive sign for conditions like Alzheimer’s, as the study suggests that genetics and external factors such as health, society, culture, and education play a significant role in brain size.

Charles DeCarli, a professor of neurology at UC Davis Health and the study’s author, emphasized that genetics play an important role in determining brain size. However, external factors also have some influence. The researchers examined data from the Framingham Heart Study, which spanned 75 years and included MRI images of over 3,200 individuals born between 1925 and 1968. The findings showed a gradual increase in brain size over time.

The study revealed that both brain mass and surface area have increased over the years, with additional mass found in regions like gray matter, white matter, and hippocampus. These regions are crucial for memory, learning, and communication between different brain areas. The researchers view these results as promising, suggesting that age-related memory decline may be improving in the general population.

Overall, this research highlights the importance of factors like genetics and health in brain development and cognitive function. As our understanding of these factors continues to evolve, we can better understand how to promote healthy aging and improve cognitive function over time.