The human brain has grown by 7% since 1930, scientists find

Scientists at the University of California, Davis found that human brain volume has increased by almost 7% since 1930. This change provides enhanced protection once morest age-related dementia. The study results were published in JAMA Neurology.

Researchers used brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure brain volume in 5,209 men and women aged 30 to 62 years. It is noted that the MRIs were carried out between 1999 and 2019. Study participants were born between the 1930s and 1970s.

The results showed that the average brain volume of those born in the 1930s was 1,234 milliliters. For people born in the 1970s, the figure rose to 1,321 milliliters, an increase of regarding 6.6%.

Scientists also found that increased brain volume correlates with a reduced risk of dementia in younger generations. The researchers suggested that this “hypertrophy” creates greater cognitive reserve to prevent age-related declines in attention, memory, reaction speed and other skills.