Big head benefits

Tuesday July 13th, 2010

A big head may help people cope better with Alzheimer's disease, researchers said last night.

Large-headed people keep a better memory and thinking skills when they succumb to the disease, according to a German study reported in the journal Neurology.

Researchers said the findings gave backing to a theory known as "brain reserve" - suggesting that a large brain may have ability to adapt to damage.

Researcher Dr Robert Perneczky, of the Technical University of Munich, said it also highlighted the benefits of good nutrition and health during pregnancy and infancy - as this could encourage brain development.

Some 270 people with Alzheimer's disease were tested for the study. For every one per cent of brain cell death, an extra centimetre of head size led to a six per cent improvement in memory tests.

Dr Perneczky said: "Our findings also underline the importance of optimal brain development early in life, since the brain reaches 93 percent of its final size at age six.

"Improving prenatal and early life conditions could significantly increase brain reserve, which could have an impact on the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or the severity of symptoms of the disease."

Neurology July 13 2010

Tags: Brain & Neurology | Child Health | Childbirth and Pregnancy | Diet & Food | Europe

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