Beyond a bigger brain: Multivariable structural brain imaging and intelligence.

ABSTRACT: People with larger brains tend to score higher on tests of general intelligence (g). It is unclear, however, how much variance in intelligence other brain measurements would account for if included together with brain volume in a multivariable model. We examined a large sample of individuals in their seventies (n = 672) who were administered a comprehensive cognitive test battery. Using structural equation modelling, we related six common magnetic resonance imaging-derived brain variables that represent normal and abnormal features-brain volume, cortical thickness, white matter structure, white matter hyperintensity load, iron deposits, and microbleeds-to g and to fluid intelligence. As expected, brain volume accounted for the largest portion of variance (~ 12%, depend

SUBMITTER: Ritchie SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4518535 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature