Childhood learning may be influenced by genetics in different ways as children grow, according to a new study published in Nature Human Behaviour. Researchers found that rare genetic variants had the strongest link to cognitive ability during early childhood, but their influence gradually weakened with age. In contrast, common genetic variants became more strongly associated with cognition during later childhood. The findings may explain why some people carrying rare gene variants linked to intellectual disability appear unaffected later in life. Scientists say the research highlights early childhood as a critical window for brain development and could improve future studies on learning, neurodevelopmental disorders, and personalized interventions.
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