Food and Behaviour Research

Donate Log In
Advanced Search

Adult Mental Health: The Role of Nutrition - BOOK HERE

Developmental Trajectories for Visuo-Spatial Attention are Altered by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Longitudinal FMRI Study

Gautam P, Nuñez SC, Narr KL, Mattson SN, May PA, Adnams CM, Riley EP, Jones KL, Kan EC, Sowell ER. (2014) Cerebral Cortex doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhu162 [Epub ahead of print]  

Web URL: Read more and find related research at PubMed

Abstract:

Background
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reveals brain activation abnormalities during visuo-spatial attention and working memory among those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in cross-sectional reports, but little is known about how activation changes over time during development within FASD or typically developing children.

Methodology
We studied 30 controls and 31 individuals with FASD over 2 years (7-14 years at first participation) with a total of 122 scans, as part of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Results
Despite comparable performance, there were significant group differences in visuo-spatial activation over time bilaterally in frontal, parietal, and temporal regions. Controls showed an increase in signal intensity in these multiple regions whereas FASD participants showed a decrease in brain activation. Effects were also found in 2 small independent samples from the USA, corroborating the findings from the larger group.
Results suggest that the long-lasting effect of prenatal alcohol may impact the maturation of visuo-spatial attention and differentiate those with FASD from controls. Based on this first longitudinal fMRI study in FASD children, our novel findings suggest a possible neural mechanism for attention deficits common among individuals with FASD.

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

Please find the related news article here:

 And for more information on the effects of alcohol in pregnancy on brain development and funciton, please see the following lists, which are frequently updated

Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)

Newsletter Signup

Sign up here to receive our free newletters.

Useful Links

Contact Us

FAB Research 
23 Carlton Road
Oxford
OX2 7SA

Important Notice

Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.

Site by Redstone Websites. Easy to Use Web Content Management. 2024 © All Rights Reserved.