Contact: Jules Asher
NIMHpress@nih.gov
301-443-4536
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health

Cortex Matures Faster in Youth with Highest IQ

Caption: The developmental trajectory of waxing and waning in cortex thickness differs as the brain matures in different IQ groups. Thickness of the area at the top/front/center, highlighted in MRI brain maps at left, peaks relatively late, at age 12 (blue arrow), in youth with superior intelligence, perhaps reflecting an extended critical period for development of high-level cognitive circuits.

Credit: Source: NIMH Child Psychiatry Branch

Usage Restrictions: None

Related news release: Cortex matures faster in youth with highest IQ