Link Between Brain Cortex Structure and Cognitive and Psychiatric Traits

The outer layer of the brain, known as the cerebral cortex, plays a crucial role in shaping human capabilities such as decision-making, perception, language, and memory. For neuroscientists, understanding how the morphology or physical structure of the cerebral cortex relates to mental health is a significant goal, as it could enable prediction of neuropsychiatric disorder risks and improve diagnostic and treatment methods.

Recent research conducted by teams at Maastricht University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, and other institutions has provided new insights into this relationship. Their study, published in Nature Mental Health, investigates the causal links between cortical morphology—specifically, the total surface area (TSA) and mean cortical thickness (MCT)—and various neuropsychiatric, behavioral, and metabolic traits.

The study emphasizes that cortical morphology is highly heritable and may influence mental abilities as well as the development of severe mental health conditions. Using extensive data from the ENIGMA project—which encompasses brain imaging, psychiatric, behavioral, and metabolic data from individuals across 43 countries—the researchers employed Mendelian randomization techniques to analyze causal relationships.

Findings revealed that an increased cortical surface area (TSA) has a positive causal effect on several traits, including cognitive performance. Similarly, variations in cortical thickness were associated with traits such as schizophrenia risk, with MCT appearing to reduce this risk. Regional differences also showed how certain surface areas and thicknesses impact specific aspects of mental health.

The results suggest that cortical morphology not only correlates with mental capabilities but also has a causal influence on the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. These insights could pave the way for early diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches, especially for conditions like schizophrenia and cognitive deficits.

Overall, the study highlights the complex bidirectional relationships between brain structure and mental health traits, offering promising avenues for future interventions aimed at promoting brain health and resilience.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-brain-cortex-linked-mental-abilities.html