A new study from scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has revealed an important clue about how brain-related conditions in children might begin.
The research shows that inflammation during childhood—caused by things like infections or asthma—can interrupt the normal growth of brain cells. This may help explain why some children develop disorders like autism or schizophrenia.
Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself from harm. It helps fight off illness or injury. But when inflammation happens during a child’s early years, it might do more than just fight germs—it could also interfere with how the brain develops.
The brain is an incredibly complex organ that starts forming before we’re even born and continues growing into our teenage years. It contains billions of brain cells called neurons, which send signals to help us think, feel, move, and connect with others.
This study focused on a specific part of the brain called the cerebellum. Although the cerebellum is best known for controlling movement, like walking or writing, it also helps us think, manage our emotions, and relate to other people. So, problems in this area of the brain could lead to challenges with learning, behavior, or communication.
The researchers studied the brains of children who had died from illnesses involving inflammation, such as infections, and compared them to the brains of children who had died in accidents and had no history of inflammation. They used advanced tools to look very closely at the brain cells.
What they found was striking. In the children who had experienced inflammation, two types of brain cells in the cerebellum—called Golgi cells and Purkinje cells—had not developed in the usual way. These cells are very important.
Golgi cells help brain signals move smoothly within the cerebellum. Purkinje cells connect the cerebellum to other parts of the brain involved in memory, emotion, and thinking.
When these cells don’t grow properly, the brain may not work as it should. This could be one reason why some children develop neurodevelopmental disorders. These are conditions that affect how the brain grows and works, and they usually show up early in life.
Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are common examples. People with these conditions may struggle with learning, paying attention, managing their emotions, or talking with others.
This new discovery adds to our understanding of where these disorders might come from. It also opens the door to finding new treatments or ways to prevent problems before they start. If scientists can learn more about how inflammation affects the brain, they might be able to create medicines or therapies that protect brain development in young children.
Families living with autism, schizophrenia, or ADHD often face many challenges. Discoveries like this one give hope that things might get better in the future. The more we learn about the brain, the better we can support children who are affected by these conditions.
This study reminds us how important it is to keep asking questions about how the body and brain work together. Each new piece of information brings us closer to finding better answers—and better care—for children around the world.
If you care about autism, please read studies that cats may help decrease anxiety for kids with autism and new study may develop better treatment for autism
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to a healthy brain, and results showing this type of food may contribute to autism.
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