Poverty and Neurodevelopment

A growing body of research shows that poverty shapes the way children's brains develop. Children who grow up in low-income households show reduced gray matter in parts of the brain essential for memory, planning, and decision-making. However, simple interventions, like providing low-income mothers with a small monthly supplementary income, can dramatically mitigate these effects. How does poverty change the brain, and why do interventions like these help? In this class we will investigate the effects of poverty on the developing brain, focusing on understanding the physiological mechanisms involved. We will also learn about existing interventions, study their efficacy, and explore possible future interventions.