 What is Intelligence?
There is much argument over the exact definition of intelligence.
The term intelligence usually refers to a general mental capacity for thought and reason, to be able to solve problems and to think abstractly, or, quite simply the ability to acquire and apply knowledge.
Most researchers agree it represents a potential rather than a fully developed ability.
Intelligence is an abstract potential made up of the capacity to learn and adapt.
Current thought says that intelligence is shaped by:
- Inherited, genetic components (nature)
- Experience and learning (nurture)
Again, few topics have produced so much intense debate, but today almost all scientists agree that intelligence arises from varying proportions of both inherited and environmental influences, often termed 'nature' or 'nuture'.
Its physical basis depends on the number, arrangement and interconnections of the brain cells your baby is born with.
The development of intelligence depends on the baby’s experiences; this stimulation makes connections between the brain cells and helps him learn.
So even from this basic analysis it can be seen that a combination of ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ is required - that the brain is ‘fed’ with both nutrients and information. Both inputs are critical for optimal development.
Put quite simply, if we can create an environment to encourage brain cell growth, and improve their connections by appropriate stimulation, we can offer our children the best ‘head-start’ possible.
By following some simple activities it will be possible to give your child the best opportunity for the development of his intelligence.
For more information on prenatal development (learning) - Click here
For information on development (learning) after birth - Click here
Brain Development / How the brain works
This section will deal specifically with the physical & structural development of the brain and its functional components at a very basic level.
Other stages of fetal and baby development, such as motor and social skills, are dealt with elsewhere on this site.
For more information on stages of development during pregnancy - Click here
For more information on the stages of baby / infant development - Click here
Brain Development
From the very beginning of life (when the sperm fertilises the egg and cell division and grouping starts) through to your baby’s birth, the brain is the most complex organ that will be developed.
Development of your baby, in the womb, is divided into two key stages:
The Embryonic stage – the first 8 weeks of development (gestation)
The Fetal stage – from 9 weeks to birth.
More commonly the stages of pregnancy are referred to as Trimesters (3 periods of equal length):
• 1st Trimester is from 0 to 3 months
• 2nd Trimester is from 3 to 6 months
• 3rd Trimester is from 6 to 9 months
These are the most common reference used for general stages of pregnancy.
The periods referred to in the embryonic and fetal stages are weeks of gestation, which is the developmental age. It is two weeks less than the calculated length of your pregnancy i.e. 12 weeks pregnant = a gestation age of 10 weeks.
The Embryonic Stage
The first 8 weeks of life is a critical period.
The first 2 weeks of life is the time that the three layers of cells develop:
- Ectoderm cells that develop into many things such as the nervous system, the brain, pituitary gland and sensory cells such as ears, eyes, nose
- Endoderm cells that develop into intestines, lungs, pancreas, bladder, tonsils, and thyroid gland
- Mesoderm cells that develop into the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, connective tissues, blood, kidneys, spleen and reproductive organs
These basic cell formations occur even before mother has missed her first period.
By the 4th week of gestation the neural tube will have formed and closed, this develops into the spinal cord. If the neural tube does not close properly NTD’s (neural tube defects) occur, often called spina bifida.
Where the neural tube folds over at the end a bulge forms, this becomes the brain. Even by the end of week four the brain has already divided into three segments: the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.
Things develop rapidly in the 5th week.
The forebrain which is the largest part of the brain divides into two distinct sections - the right and left cerebral hemispheres. Each hemisphere divides into four lobes:
- frontal
- parietal
- occipital
- temporal
The cerebral hemispheres control your emotions, thinking, memory, movement, senses and speech.
The midbrain continues to develop into brain structures also necessary for processing sensory information.
The hindbrain continues to grow towards becoming the cerebellum, medulla and pons. These parts will become responsible for natural physical processes like reflexes, blood circulation or breathing. The hindbrain will also control muscle co-ordination and movement. All of these basic elements become established at this early period in development.
At this early stage of pregnancy the embryo is highly susceptible to the effects of drugs and harmful substances. In this first 8 weeks of life all of the basic components and organs are formed; the basic blueprint of the baby is complete by the end of this period. Even the basic parts of the brain are in place, and it is thought that this is when most congenital deformities occur. By the end of this period your baby will be protected by amniotic fluid and he is being nourished by the umbilical cord.
The next period is one of rapid growth where all of the components of the body continue to grow and complete formation – the Fetal Stage.
The Fetal Stage
Your baby is now known as a foetus, which means young one. From 10 weeks gestation the first synapses start to form in the brain, these form and strengthen the connections between the brain cells. The synapse is a small gap separating neurons across which information flows. From now on the neurons in your baby’s brain start to produce spontaneous, co-ordinated pulses of electrical activity. This is the wiring of the brain’s neural network. In a further 2 weeks the framework for all organs, muscles, limbs and bones are in place.
By 13 weeks gestation your baby’s brain is only the size of a kidney bean but its cells are multiplying at a rate of 250,000 cells per minute.
It is suggested that by 20 weeks your baby starts to hear sounds. This is because most of the fine interconnection filaments (axons) growing out from the neurons have reached their destination and the basic map for the neural network is in place. Although the first connections (synapses) develop during week 10 awareness probably does not occur until week 20.
Your baby may respond to touch and sound by week 22 gestation.
Around the 6th month of pregnancy, 24 weeks gestation, for these fine interconnection filaments (axons) the myelination process begins. The axons start to become covered with a myelin sheath, which offers protection and allows signals to travel faster, enhancing your baby’s ability to learn. The closest analogy to this is a simple piece of electrical cable, which has an inner core that transmits the electrical impulse, the core that carries the electrical impulse is covered by insulation for protection.
This is the optimum time to start playing music or other sounds to enhance / stimulate brain development.
From 25 weeks the brain goes through a growth spurt phase, the brain grows rapidly in size due to:
- Rapid increase in number of brain cells
- Increased development of dendrites (communication branches)
- Increased connections between brain cells (synapses)
- Development of fatty myelin sheath around the axons of more neurons
These processes all require the laying down of fats. Maintaining a balanced diet, especially with respect to the intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs) at this phase, is critical for optimum brain growth. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is particularly noted as being essential for the myelination process.
From week 27 of gestation a dramatic increase in the number of connections (synapses) between nerve cells in the part of the brain involved in interpreting visual images from the eyes starts, this continues until about 2 months after birth.
At around week 29 the pruning process begins (this is called apoptosis). Brain cells that have made the wrong connection or have formed networks that do not receive enough ‘traffic’ begin to die. This is a natural process of brain cell death to ‘prune’ out any that are unwanted or unused and to conserve the neural network. This is a classic case of ‘use it or lose it’. Connections that are not used or stimulated they will be lost.
This is one of the major reasons to stimulate before birth. This can strengthen existing, and lay down additional, links between neurons so that they do not degenerate and your baby is born with more brain cell connections and with more potential for future development.
You can minimise this loss of brain cells through pruning by:
- Providing a stimulating environment for your baby
- Eating a healthy well balanced diet that has adequate levels of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids
- Have regular rest periods
- Avoid exposure to alcohol, drugs, smoking and other toxins
Your baby’s brain contains 2 to 3 times more brain cells than he will have as an adult and during the last 8 weeks in the womb this pruning process will have reduced them by 40 – 50 per cent if they have not been properly ‘wired in’.
By the end of the pregnancy neurons in different areas of your baby’s brain start to begin to specialise. A birth date of up to 2 weeks early or 2 weeks late is considered normal and does not have any bearing on your baby’s subsequent intelligence.
A newborn baby’s brain contains very little myelin, because of the rapid rate of myelination in the first 3 years infants need a high level of fatty acids in their diets.
At birth the brain is now ready to develop through experience, development of the brain is activity dependant; stimulation through the five senses increases the number of connections (synapses), myelination increases which speeds up signal processing and expands the neural network.
A newborn baby brain weighs between 350 to 400 g (approximately 10% of body weight) and an adult brain weighs 1,300 to 1,400g. In an adult, the brain makes up to 2% of the total body weight, but it uses up to 30% of the calorie input. Indicating how important food is to optimal brain function.
At birth a baby’s brain is approximately 10% of it's body weight, 60% of that weight is fat, over a third of which is EFAs (essential fatty acids). There are two families of essential fatty acids and they are commonly referred to as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.
EFAs are precursors to long chain versions of these long chain fatty acids (LCP’s) such as AA, DHA and EPA and are vital for the development of normal brain and eye function. These elements are present in many parts of the neuron.
AA (Arachidonic acid) plays both a ‘functional’ and ‘structural’ role.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is an element in the structure of cell membranes of the brain and eyes.
EPA (Eicosapentaenioic acid) is a ‘functional’ fatty acid that has various anti-inflammatory actions.
Although AA is a dominant fatty acid in the brain tissue, DHA is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid present and it also appears that DHA supplementation can exert the most profound influence on brain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. Your baby’s brain at birth will have up to 10% by weight of DHA (his dendrites and synapses in particular are especially rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP’s). The synapse, which is the primary communication link between neurons, contains a high proportion of DHA, which makes it more fluid than the membrane found in other parts of each brain cell. It is also very important in the production of myelin, the myelin sheath protects nerve fibres and helps to speed up transmission of electrical signals along these fibres. So, this long chain polyunsaturated fat is very important for rapid transmission of signals from one neuron to another.
It has also been shown that DHA is needed for glial cell development. Glial cells form a supporting network and provide insulation for the neurons in the brain as well as other ‘housekeeping’ functions. They are essential in the developing brain for providing structural support for growing and developing neurons.
The most important facts are:
- The brain grows fastest prior to birth
- Your baby’s brain triples in size in the first year (from ½ lb to 1 ½ lbs)
- By the age of 3 the brain is 75% grown
- The ‘pre-school’ stage is the most important period for emotional and intellectual development
- By 5 years old the brain has grown to 5 lbs in weight
- Essential fatty acids are critical for optimum brain development
These essential fatty acids are critical not just in the development of the brain, but in many other organs, as a constituent in the membrane that provides protection to most cells in the body.
Unfortunately studies have shown that 8 out of 10 pregnant women are deficient in the all-important essential fatty acids.
It is therefore vital that your diet provides enough fats of the right sort for the development of healthy fetal brain cells. Sometimes it is not possible for diet to provide sufficient amounts so it may be necessary to take supplements that are purposefully formulated for the period before conception, during pregnancy.
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For more information on essential fatty acids and their role in brain development,
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For more information on diet for optimal brain development,
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How The Brain Works
The brain is a maze of connections, a super network capable of performing 20 million calculations per second.
Within this neural network there are three major players:
- Neurons (brain cells) which power the message, the main actors in the brain
- Neurotransmitters – which create and assist in transmission of the message
- Receptors – which receive the message
Neurons
The brain and the rest of the nervous system are composed of many types of cells. But the neuron is a special nerve cell that receives and transmits electrical impulses at up to 200 mph between other neurons and other nerve cells. All sensations, movements, thoughts, memories, and feelings are the result of signals that pass through neurons. They, and their connections, are critical to the function of all areas of the brain
Neurotransmitters
These are the chemicals that are used to transmit, amplify and modulate electrical signals between one neuron and the next. They are the building blocks of the brain network, without these special chemicals brain cells could not communicate. They operate in the gap between the terminal end of a nerve in one cell and the receptor in the next cell. A bioelectric impulse travels through the dendrites (which receive signals) towards the cell body and then travels at speeds up to 150 mph away from the cell body, through the axon (which transmit signals) to the cell’s terminals. The electrical impulse triggers the release of these special chemicals to cross the gap (synapse) between the two cells. There are many of these special chemical transmitters identified, they influence the way we feel and experience emotions, they can motivate or sedate, focus or frustrate. A good example is Serotonin. The affects of this neurotransmitter, which is quite sensitive to diet, exhibits itself in the drowsiness that can be seen as a result of consuming a large carbohydrate meal.
Receptors
These are sites that appear on the cellular surfaces that receive the neurotransmitter molecules that cross the synapse transmitting the impulse towards the neuron.
The neurotransmitter receptor relationship is similar to that of a lock and key, neurotransmitters will only bind to specific receptors.
The brain cell – a definition of terms
Axon – the part of the nerve cell that is a long, hair like extension that transmits messages away to the next cell in the form of electrical impulses.
Brain cell – a nerve cell in the brain that is made up of mostly neurons and glial cells
Cell body – called the Soma, contains the neuron's nucleus and has the dendrites branching from it.
Dendrites – branch like extensions that extend from the body of a nerve cell body. They receive impulses from other nerve cells in the near vicinity and convey them to the centre of the cell. Each nerve cell has many dendrites.
Glial cell – cells that perform important ‘housekeeping’ functions, providing structure (support and insulation) and assisting metabolism. They do not conduct electrical impulses. They make up 40 per cent of the volume of the brain and spinal cord.
Myelin – is an electrically insulating coating around axons, often called the myelin sheath. Myelin increases the speed and reliability of the electrical impulses along these nerve fibres.
Neuron – also called a nerve cell. Neurons are made up of 3 areas: the axon, the dendrites and the cell body. They are a unique type of cell that receive and send messages (electrical impulses). They are the main actors in the brain.
Neurotransmitters – are chemical transmitters that cross the synapse. There are approximately 50 neurotransmitters identified. Each neurotransmitter can directly or indirectly influence neurons in a specific portion of the brain, thereby affecting behaviour. They provide mood and feelings.
Receptors –are special sites that receive the information sent across the synaptic, they can react differently to different neurotransmitters.
Synapses – the gap between two neurons through which the electrical impulses flow (via neurotransmitters). They occur in three forms: between axons and dendrites, between axons and somas and between axons and axons.
What can you do?
By stimulating your baby’s brain in the womb, by providing the right nutrition, and by avoiding dietary and lifestyle toxins you can help to maximise the number of brain cells your baby is born with. But just as important this can also help to maximise the number of synaptic connections and strengthen them. These are undoubtedly the foundation for optimum intelligence.
The number of brain cells your baby is born with increases his potential intelligence, as he literally has more counters to play with. By providing prenatal stimulation and supplying optimum amounts of vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (especially AA & DHA) to your baby in the womb, you are:
- increasing the number of brain cells he is born with
- increasing the number and size of the connections (synapses) between his brain cells
- speeding transmission of information across synapses from one brain cell to another.
Stimulation and an enriched environment can undoubtedly boost your child's intelligence. Stimulation has a direct effect on the number of synapses formed and in doing so expands the neural network.
An enriched environment that continues throughout childhood will ensure increased synaptic connections are laid down in more and more pathways. At the same time, the progressive branching of the dendrite trees increases the 'reach' of each cell and its potential for more and more connections with more and more cells that are further afield. This underlying brain architecture and the connections between his brain cells are thought to be biological building-blocks of intelligence which allow learning to occur.
The kind of care that an baby / infant receives plays a big role in how the brain choses to ‘wire’ itself. Click here
This whole process begins before birth, before pregnancy - pre-conception.
Brain Development Before Pregnancy
Diet & nutrition:
- It is important both mother and father are healthy prior to the pregnancy.
- Exposure to alcohol Click here, drugs Click here, nicotine / smoking Click here and other toxins should be reduced. These can remain present in the body for sometime and will need to be ‘flushed out’.
- A balanced diet is important so that nutrient levels are at optimum levels.
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- It is important that the mother’s levels of essential fatty acids are boosted prior to conception. Many mothers start pregnancy deficient in these important areas.
- It would be prudent to supplement with fish oils, specifically those that give the appropriate balance of AA, DHA & EPA. Click here for more information
- Although the major concentration at this stage is on the mother, even fathers should show concern
- The father’s sperm could die, be damaged or undergo a mutation if he has been exposed to a hazardous chemical. A mutation has the potential to be passed on to his baby. Click here for more information
During Pregnancy
Diet & Nutrition:
- The growing baby is totally dependant on the mother.
- Everything the mother ingests has the potential to cross into the baby via the placenta.
- All drugs, alcohol and toxins should be avoided, consult your doctor if unsure with respect to particular medicines.
- Mother should be consuming a balanced diet, to ensure that the sufficient calories, vitamins and nutrients are available to the baby.
- Stores of essential fatty acids should be maintained, these will be taken from the mothers supply (her own brain) if her intake is too low.
- Supplementation with fish oils can ‘top’ up essential fatty acid stores.
Stimulation;
- Using the voice by speaking or singing.
- Using music by playing music or an instrument, or by attaching a cassette player with pre-recorded sounds or rhythms.
- Using touch by patting, stroking or massaging your bump.
Brain Development After Baby’s Birth
Breast feeding:
- This is the most natural and safest form of food that your baby can get during his first months after birth.
- It is not just the best food source but also provides special antibodies against disease and illness.
- It also supplies these much needed essential fatty acids in the correct ration for optimum brain growth.
- For at least the first four months after birth your baby’s metabolism is not mature enough to start performing the conversion processes that produce the important LCPs (long chain fatty acids) that are present in breast milk.
- The mandatory inclusion of the long chain fatty acid DHA in formula food has been instituted in many countries but is not yet adopted in the United States.
- Breast milk also has the correct balance of proteins, calories, minerals, and transfers very important anti-bodies. The best source of these is mother’s breast milk.
- Your baby could become deficient in EFAs during his early development, outside the womb, when his visual acuity and brain cells desperately need them.
- Breastfeeding also has phychological benefits in terms of bonding between mother and child and it provides a safe secure environment for building confidence.
Diet & Nutrition:
- A well balanced diet is again very important particularly if you are breastfeeding.
- What you eat can be passed directly to your developing child.
- It is also important for the well being of the mother.
- This is a time when it is sometimes easy to concentrate on your child’s health whilst forgetting about your own.
- It is important for your baby and family that you are well and healthy.
- It is important that levels of EFAs in the diet are maintained throughout pregnancy. This is particularly critical from the last third of pregnancy through to at least 4 months after birth.
- After weaning and into infancy nutrition plays an important part in optimal brain development Click here. This may require that fish oil and other supplements be used. Click here for more more information
- Consider the balance of the key brain foods; amino acids, fatty acids, glucose and micronutrients. Click here for more information
Learning techniques:
- Start activities immediately from birth.
- Visual pathways need to be developed from birth.
- Learning and developmental exercises can start immediately.
- Simple activities such as talking to, reading to and playing with, your baby can assist in development.
- All children have a hunger for learning.
- These activities could also help bonding with other family members.
Two simple rules:
- Don’t do too much
- Make it fun so that you and your baby enjoy yourselves
The whole exercise should not be too stressful on baby, or mother.
For more information on bonding, Click here
For more information on breastfeeding, Click here
For more information on diet & nutrition, Click here
For more information on learning from birth, Click here
For more information on essential fatty acids, Click here
For more information on prenatal stimulation, Click here
For more information on diet for optimal brain development, Click here
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