ATLANTA — Researchers in Atlanta have found a link between premature birth and brain development in children.
Scientists from Georgia Tech, Georgia State University and Emory University found that premature birth can slow brain development well into middle school.
The study, published this week, analyzed brain scans from nearly 3,000 children. Researchers found that children born early showed lower activity in areas of the brain that control movement, focus and learning between the ages of 9 and 12.
That lower brain activity was also linked to weaker reading and vocabulary skills.
The study’s authors say recognizing these patterns early could help doctors and teachers provide children with more targeted learning support sooner.