According to a study by German researchers, having a large head could offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease. The findings were published in the July 13 edition of the journal Neurology.
After assessing 270 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, researchers found that those with a larger head circumference performed better in memory and thinking tests.
To assess the extent of disease, study participants were subjected to tests of memory and cognitive abilities and underwent a brain scan. Researchers then measured their head circumference.
Those with a larger head performed better even if they had similar neuronal loss.
For every one percent of brain cell death, an additional centimetre of head circumference was linked with a six percent higher score on the memory tests. It is believed that a bigger head equals a bigger brain, thus more neurons are on reserve to offset losses.
The size of the skull may be influenced by lifestyle, especially during the first years of life. The brain has already reached 93% of its final size by the age of six. Malnutrition or illness can affect a child’s development.
"Improving prenatal and early life conditions could significantly increase brain reserve, which could have an impact on the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or the severity of symptoms of the disease," says Dr. Robert Perneczky.