Study: Genes Control 15 Percent Of Intelligence

Brains Of Fraternal, Identical Twins Studied

A new study headed by UCLA's Laboratory of Neuro Imaging links intelligence, genetics and the size of the human brain.

Researchers found that genes only control about 15 percent of intelligence.

Dr. Paul Thompson headed the study, which compares the brains of identical and fraternal twins. He found a strong genetic link in the front of the brain in the amount of gray matter -- the place where information is stored. With more gray matter comes a higher IQ.

The language areas of the brain were also similar.

Among twins who share the same genes, they were virtually identical, while other siblings showed only 60 percent of normal brain differences.

Thompson said the study may help explain why diseases like dementia, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia run in families.

"If you can predict with brain scans who will get the disease early, there may be new therapies that can really save those brain cells," Thompson said.

One area that does not appear to be inherited is learning.

Additional Resources:

• Visit the UCLA's Laboratory of Neuro Imaging online.

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