Human brain development over the early years

Abstract

Recent studies of the structural and functional development of the human brain over the early years have highlighted the rapid development of brain structures and their interconnectivity. Some regional functional specializations emerge within the first months after birth, while others have a more protracted course of development spanning over the first decade or longer. While some anatomical changes enable the emergence of new functions, evidence also points to the importance of resting state oscillations in sculpting neural architecture during development. In atypical development differences in brain structure, function and task-related activity in infancy often precede the emergence of later diagnostic behavioural symptoms.

Visual–motor integration and fine motor skills at 6½ years of age and associations with neonatal brain volumes in children born extremely preterm in Sweden: a population-based cohort study

“…It is also possible that atypical patterns of brain development play a role in the grey matter volume and fine motor skills relationship, in the preterm brain. 16 …”

“…Therefore, a less-defined exploration of brain areas known to be associated with VMI is a useful approach, especially when investigating the neural associations of a multi-modal ability, in groups with potentially atypical brain development trajectories. 16 …”

Early-life exposure to severe famine and subsequent risk of depressive symptoms in late adulthood: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

“…During these stages, structural brain development consists of increased white matter volume and enhanced functional brain development as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging. 24 The Chinese Great Famine represents extreme stress because of nutrition deprivation. Findings from the current study suggest that nutrition, stress, or the combination of them both, are more important in these stages.…”

Effect of age on Narcotrend Index monitoring during sevoflurane anesthesia in children below 2 years of age

“…It can be assumed that thalamocortical connections are essential for the production of frontal alpha activity (7.5‐12.5 Hz) during sevoflurane anesthesia . In a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in children who were 0, 1, or 2 years old, it was demonstrated that some thalamic functional networks showed a marked development during the first year, with continued strengthening during the second year …”