How Genes May Contribute to Dyslexia

Three genes known to contribute to the reading disorder dyslexia have been significantly linked with white-matter volume in the temporo-parietal region of the brain, researchers reported June 11 in Biological Psychiatry. Thus the genes may contribute to  dyslexia by altering white-matter structure in this brain region, the researchers  believe.

The link between one of these genes and dyslexia is especially strong when a person has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) plus dyslexia, other scientists have found. The reason for this association is unclear, although dyslexia and ADHD are often comorbid. More information about this study and implications for future research can be found in Psychiatric News. Also, read more about the etiology and treatment of learning disabilities in Learning Disabilities: Implications for Psychiatric Treatment, from American Psychiatric Publishing.

 (Image: Lightspring/Shutterstock.com)