An
article published claims there is a genetic link between childhood IQ and the development of Alzheimer's disease later in life. Specifically, mutations of the amyloid precursor gene which has been known to give someone a greater chance of developing Alzheimer's, is now hypothesized to affect cognitive abilities in children. This could possibly affect childhood cognitive abilities because the gene causes the buildup of senile plaques in the brain, which eventually accumulate in late adulthood and cause Alzheimer's. Therefore, these plaques, though they have not accumulated to the extent that they do in the elderly with Alzheimer's could pose some hinderance in cognitive efficiency in childhood. More research needs to be done but any conclusions from this research will help provide a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease, childhood intelligence, and the link between the two.
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