Takanao Hashimoto|Yutaka Matsuzaki|Susumu Yokota|Ryuta Kawashima
Academic achievements and brain volume development in children and adolescents
Tohoku University|Tohoku University|Kyushu University|Tohoku University
children expected acquire basic numeric skills achievement higher levels reading writing arithmetic vocabulary favorable desirable relationship literacy skill neural development investigated however association brain development 4 literacy skills examined longitudinal structural neuroimaging study explored contribution higher academic achievement reading writing arithmetic vocabulary neural development brain volumes children adolescents aged 916 years measured first test approximately 26 years later brain volumes 4 academic achievement scores 77 participants measured second test changes gray matter volume left fusiform gyrus associated vocabulary scores whereas left striatum associated arithmetic scores reading writing scores showed statistically significant relationship changes brain volume current vocabulary score correlated current gray matter volume brain volumes first test showed association achievement scores results suggest academic achievement may modulate brain plasticity various ways