Early diagnosis and neurodegenerative aspects in schizophrenia

摘要

During development the structure of our brain changes, not only in childhood but also thereafter. However, the trajectories of brain convolution in adulthood, its functional significance and the extent to which gene systems are involved are unknown. Here we show that brain growth is present in human adults, particularly in the frontal pole and amygdale-hippocampus complex. Brain growth is more prominent in above average as compared to average intelligent individuals. Brain shrinkage is found in dorsolateral frontal, superior temporal, and parietal cortices. Using a longitudinal design in twins, we also find that gene systems or expressions of genes influence brain volume change, and these differ from the genetic factors that are involved in overall head size. Thus, our brains continue to develop during adulthood under the influence of specific gene systems or expressions and has a functional significance.