Researchers found children in states with generous cash and health benefits for low-income families had a larger hippocampus, the section of the brain involved in learning, memory and emotion processing:
out of Harvard University suggests that public policies aiming to reduce the harms of poverty may lead to larger brains in children. Scientists say that underscores the need for a strong social safety net.from 11,000 children in 17 different states that offer a range of health benefits and cash assistance to low-income families.
“The question we had is whether the magnitude of that association — so how much [connection] growing up in a family that's living in poverty has on a child's brain development varies based on where you live,” McLaughlin said. Researchers noted there could be other explanations. For instance, states with generous benefits may also invest more in education, and perhaps that impacts brain development. But they tried to control for most factors.
Although Massachusetts was not part of the study, some Massachusetts-based providers say the findings ring true. Prity Shah directs ServiceNet's early intervention program. She said parents struggling to pay the bills have less time to read to their children or take them out for brain-enriching activities, even the playground. State-funded child care or Head Start can make a big difference.
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