Mathematical cognition provides a foundation for the development of quantitative skills critical for functioning in the 21st century. Yet, math difficulties are widespread in children, adolescents, and college students, and one in five adults in the USA is functionally innumerate. Low numeracy is associated with poorer health outcomes, reduced health literacy, and improper use of health resources. Characterizing neurocognitive developmental trajectories and risk factors of mathematical disabilities (MD) is critical for addressing the public health burdens of innumeracy. Building on an innovative and high-impact line of research, we propose to investigate neurocognitive longitudinal trajectories and outcomes in MD. We focus on two key cognitive domains impaired in MD: (1) number sense, including representations of quantities, numbers, and their mental manipulation, and (2) arithmetic skills, including numerical problem solving and fluent retrieval of math facts from memory. Our central hypothesis is that, relative to typically developing (TD) controls, individuals with MD will exhibit atypical developmental trajectories of brain response, representations, and connectivity in two functional brain systems: (1) the parietal visuo-spatial attention system, which supports quantity representations, and (2) the medial temporal (MTL) declarative memory system, which supports arithmetic fact retrieval. We will test (1) core and access deficit models of atypical number sense development and (2) a memory deficit model of weak fact retrieval. Using state-of-the-art multimodal brain imaging and three innovative longitudinal designs, we will test these models by (1) characterizing developmental trajectories in children and adolescents, spanning elementary, middle, and high school years (ages 7 to 16), with an accelerated longitudinal design; (2) identify brain measures that predict longitudinal 2-year early math trajectories and outcomes in young children prior to formal instruction or MD diagnosis (ages 5-7); and (3) identify brain measures that predict longitudinal 10-year long-term math outcomes in adolescents (age 17) who were previously characterized in childhood. Three innovative longitudinal designs will address critical gaps in our understanding of neurocognitive systems impacted over development in MD. Findings will inform our understanding of the etiology of MD and the development of targeted cognitive interventions that may ultimately reduce the public health burden of low numeracy.

Public Health Relevance

Between 7 and 10% of children demonstrate severe and persistent mathematical disabilities (MD), with adverse life-long consequences for employability, socio-economic wellbeing, health, and life expectancy. The overarching objective of our research is to characterize the brain and cognitive mechanisms underlying atypical development of numerical skills in children and adolescents with MD. Our proposed studies will contribute foundational knowledge necessary for reducing the public health burden of learning disabilities.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37HD094623-02
Application #
9769805
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Mann Koepke, Kathy M
Project Start
2018-08-24
Project End
2023-05-31
Budget Start
2019-06-01
Budget End
2020-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305