Abstract #0911

Is Myelin Content Associated with Early Language Development in Healthy Toddlers?

Lindsay Walker¹, Irene Piryatinsky¹, Jonathan OMuircheartaigh², Douglas C. Dean III¹, Michelle Han¹, Katie Lehman¹, Nicole Waskiewicz¹, Beth A. Jerskey¹,³, Holly Dirks¹, Sean C. L. Deoni¹

¹Advanced Baby Imaging Lab, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; ²King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom; ³Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States

Delayed language acquisition in infants is an early clinical indicator of later language impairment. This delay may result from delayed or abnormal myelination in the language sub-serving brain networks. We measured myelin content using the mcDESPOT technique, and assessed language with the MacArthur-Bates Child Development Inventory Words and Gestures parent report in 9 toddlers aged 10-16 months. We found that language understanding was correlated with myelination in brain regions responsible for general understanding and learning; while language production was more specifically linked to Brocas area. These results indicate that myelination may be implicated in language acquisition during key developmental stages.