Our Brains Are Getting Bigger — and Maybe Healthier

"With all our modern education and technology, we might think we're smarter than people born a century ago.?But are we really?

It's not quite clear, but scientists do think that over the last century our brains have been getting bigger.

A new study has found that people born in the 1970s had a 6.6% larger brain volume and 15% larger brain surface than people born in the 1930s.

According to the research team, it's possible that larger brains could reduce the risk of age-related dementia.

The researchers looked at MRI scans of participants in the Framingham Heart Study in the US.?This is a health survey that began in 1948 and is now looking at its third generation of participants.

The MRI scans were done between 1999 and 2019, and more than 3,000 people were studied.

As well as increased brain size, the study found that brain structures including the hippocampus — the area that deals with learning and memory — have grown in size.

That's when comparing people born in the 1970s with those born in the 1930s, and when accounting for factors like increased body size.

The study's first author Charles DeCarli said larger brain structures "may reflect improved brain development and improved brain health."

He added: "A larger brain structure represents a larger brain reserve."?This means the brain might be better able to deal with the damage that comes with getting older.

This could help reduce the risk of age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer's, DeCarli said.

The number of people living with Alzheimer's in the US has been increasing since the 1970s, as the population has grown and aged.?But as a percentage of population, the rate has actually been decreasing by 20% per decade.

DeCarli thinks larger brains may have had an effect on this trend, but further research is required."

This article was published in engoo.com .

The study's findings are quite fascinating.

The increase in brain size and certain brain structures over the past century, as indicated by MRI scans, suggests potential improvements in brain development and health.

The idea that larger brains could reduce the risk of age-related dementia or Alzheimer's is intriguing and could have significant implications for public health.

However, it's important to note that correlation does not imply causation.

While the study suggests a link between brain size and reduced risk of age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer's, further research is needed to establish causality and understand the underlying mechanisms.

As for whether people are smarter now than those born a century ago, it's a complex question.

Intelligence is multifaceted and influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment, education, and nutrition.

While advancements in education and technology may contribute to cognitive development, it's challenging to make direct comparisons across different time periods.

This is due to changes in societal norms, access to education, and many other variables.

Overall, the study sheds light on the potential relationship between brain size and brain health.

However there certainly needs to be more research to fully understand the implications and to determine the extent to which modern lifestyles may impact cognitive abilities compared to past generations.

What are your thoughts on the study's findings?

Do you think people are smarter now than those born a century ago?