Infant learning and cognitive development
Myelination – the process in which neuronal axons are wrapped in a lipid-rich sheath – ensures fast, efficient and synchronized communication between neurons and thus facilitates information processing. Studies suggest a direct link between myelination and brain maturation and cognitive development, i.e. white matter development in specific regions of the brain is correlated with the onset of developmental milestones. Myelination has also been correlated with the development of cognitive skills, e.g. general cognitive ability, language and reading, working memory, processing speed and sensory reactivity. Sphingomyelin, which is particularly rich in the myelin sheath, supports myelin integrity and function, and axonal maturation. Higher levels of dietary sphingomyelin in the first three months of life has been significantly associated with verbal development in the first two years of life, as well as higher levels of myelin content at 12-24 months, delayed onset, and/or more prolonged rates of myelination in different brain areas. These findings suggest early life provision of dietary sphingomyelin may contribute to learning and development, through its role in supporting myelination.
Part 1 lecture with Prof Berthold Koletzko