Emergence of Intelligence
- Intelligence is an emergent property of the cerebral cortex.
- Traditional concept of a single “g” factor for general intelligence is being challenged.
- Current understanding leans towards multiple intelligences arising from both cerebral and cerebellar cortex.
- Cerebellum crucial for fine-tuned motor skills like dance, music, and athletics.
Intelligence and Development
- Ability to develop intelligence occurs throughout life.
- Intellectual disability affects approximately 5% of the population, a significantly higher rate than other neurological disorders.
Causes of Intellectual Disability
- Inherited: Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome
- Environmental: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Genetic: Phenylketonuria (PKU) - inability to process an amino acid
Misconceptions About Brain Structure and Intelligence
- Belief that smaller or smoother brains lead to intellectual disability is incorrect.
- Some intellectual disabilities are associated with larger-than-average brains (e.g., autism, Fragile X Syndrome).
Complexities of Intellectual Disability
- Intellectual disability not solely due to brain size, neuron count, or other single factor.
- Issues can arise from misdirected dendrites, misaligned synapses, or incorrect connections.
- Intriguing aspect: individuals with intellectual disabilities can excel in specific areas (e.g., savant syndrome).
- Savant syndrome demonstrates that intelligence is multifaceted and not uniformly impaired.