How early social deprivation impairs long-term cognitive function
Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 14:10
in Psychology & Sociology
Children who suffer severe neglect have cognitive impairments as adults. A new study shows for the first time how functional impairments arise: Social isolation during early life prevents brain's white matter cells from maturing and producing myelin, the fatty "insulation" on nerve fibers, for transmitting long-distance messages in the brain. The study also identifies a molecular pathway involved, showing it is disrupted by social isolation.