By City News Service
SWEDEN-CHILDREN-ABUSE-CRIME-RESEARCH
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Disadvantaged neighborhoods, characterized by poverty, unemployment and other socio-economic challenges, could pose particular environmental risks to the brain development of children, according to a USC study released today.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, suggests that such factors could affect adolescent neurocognitive performance and even brain size.
Researchers said the findings highlight the importance of neighborhood environments for healthy child and adolescent brain growth.
They also suggested that policies, programs and investments that help improve local conditions and empower communities could better support children s brain development and long-term health.