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Trajectories of brain development from childhood to adulthood (completed)

Influencing factors and behavioral outcomes

About the project

The human brain undergoes enormous development from birth to adult age. insight into this multifaceted process has been tremendously enhanced over the last two decades by neuroimaging studies, documenting sustained changes in the cerebral cortex, subcortical structures and white matter. Longitudinal studies with multiple time-points are however needed to track the trajectories of structural and functional changes in the brain's neuronal tissue and connections and how these vary across different brain regions and between individuals. Genes and environmental factors interact in forming our brains and mental capacities and there is increasing recognition of the importance of developmental processes for later cognitive functions and behavioral patterns. Longitudinal studies that allow for direct examination of these relationships in development are however lacking

Objectives

The objectives of the project are to characterize the trajectories of brain developrnent in healthy children and adolescents, explore specific genetic and early environmental influences, and to investigate behavioral outcomes in terms of cognitive functions, scholastic achievements and behavioral adjustment. A comprehensive understanding of how the brain and our cognitive functions change during development is important for understanding characteristic features of childhood and adolescence, and is also critical for understanding mature cognition and how development may go awry in neurological and psychiatric disorders and in groups with specific risk factors

Financing

The Research Council of Norway (FRIMEDBIO - Young talented researchers) 2014 - 2018.

Published July 2, 2015 12:47 PM - Last modified Mar. 22, 2023 2:17 AM