Link Between Brain Cortex Structure and Cognitive and Psychiatric Traits
Recent research reveals causal links between the structure of the brain's cerebral cortex and mental abilities, as well as neuropsychiatric disorder risks, offering potential pathways for early diagnosis and targeted treatments.
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
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Innovative Framework Developed for Analyzing Metabolic Data to Predict Disease Risks
A new mathematical framework for analyzing large-scale metabolic data enhances disease risk prediction and personalized healthcare by revealing meaningful metabolic patterns and subgroups.
Research Confirms Safety and Effectiveness of Laser Vision Correction in Teenagers
A large-scale study confirms that laser correction for short-sightedness is safe and effective in older teenagers, offering a permanent alternative to glasses or contact lenses.
Measles Outbreak Expands Along Arizona-Utah Border
A major measles outbreak is spreading along the Arizona-Utah border due to low vaccination rates, with dozens of unvaccinated children affected, marking the highest case numbers since the 1990s. Experts stress the importance of immunization to prevent further spread.
