Title | Beyond a bigger brain: Multivariable structural brain imaging and intelligence. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Ritchie SJ [1], Booth T [2], Hernández MDel CVald [3], Corley J [4], Maniega SMuñoz [5], Gow AJ [6], Royle NA [7], Pattie A [8], Karama S [9], Starr JM [10], Bastin ME [11], Wardlaw JM [12], Deary IJ [13] |
Journal | Intelligence |
Volume | 51 |
Pagination | 47-56 |
Date Published | 2015 Jul-Aug |
ISSN | 0160-2896 |
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%, depending on modelling choices). Adding the additional variables, especially cortical thickness (+~ 5%) and white matter hyperintensity load (+~ 2%), increased the predictive value of the model. Depending on modelling choices, all neuroimaging variables together accounted for 18-21% of the variance in intelligence. These results reveal which structural brain imaging measures relate to g over and above the largest contributor, total brain volume. They raise questions regarding which other neuroimaging measures might account for even more of the variance in intelligence. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.intell.2015.05.001 [14] |
Alternate Journal | Intelligence |
PubMed ID | 26240470 [15] |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4518535 |
Grant List | MR/M013111/1 / / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom G1001245 / / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom MR/K026992/1 / / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom G0701120 / / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom G0700704 / / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom |