Inequality alters children’s brain structure
New study finds societal inequality alters brain development in children, regardless of family income.
Why it matters
- First study linking societal inequality to brain changes in kids.
- Affects all children, regardless of family income.
- Linked to mental health and cognitive impacts.
By the numbers
- Study included over 10,000 US children.
- High inequality states: NY, CT, CA, FL.
- Brain changes observed via MRI scans.
The big picture
- Inequality creates toxic environment affecting brain development.
- Reducing inequality is a public health imperative.
- Effects may last a lifetime.
What they're saying
- Experts say inequality creates toxic social environment.
- Study authors call reducing inequality a public health must.
Caveats
- Observational study; cannot establish causation.
What’s next
- Future studies to explore global effects, such as in the UK.