The multiple demand network in adults and children starting from the age of 4 have clinically shown similarities when focused on solving tough problems. The network helps with focus and attention, memory, and solving difficult problems. This network is located in the frontal and parietal cortices. Another similarity that was noticed was that children from ages 4-12 had different demand and language networks, just as adults do. When tasked with a challenging task, both children and adults will have activated demand networks but inactivated language networks. There are, however, some differences in brain activity between adults and children: the response time was delayed significantly in children which confirms that it takes years to fully develop the brain to an “adult level”. These findings help researchers identify how disruptions in the neurodevelopment of cognitive control can differ in those with brain disorders such as ADHD, conduct disorders, and other injuries. This will help with development of new material that can help those with issues with cognitive control and will lead in future enhancements in the equipment that can do so. This study also helps to advocate for those with said issues and allow for more researchers to participate in these studies.

Read the full article here!: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230213082152.htm

Tulsi Patel

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

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