title: Subcortical intelligence: caudate volume predicts IQ in healthy adults.
abstract: This study examined the association between size of the caudate nuclei and intelligence. Based on the central role of the caudate in learning, as well as neuroimaging studies linking greater caudate volume to better attentional function, verbal ability, and dopamine receptor availability, we hypothesized the existence of a positive association between intelligence and caudate volume in three large independent samples of healthy adults (total N = 517). Regression of IQ onto bilateral caudate volume controlling for age, sex, and total brain volume indicated a significant positive correlation between caudate volume and intelligence, with a comparable magnitude of effect across each of the three samples. No other subcortical structures were independently associated with IQ, suggesting a specific biological link between caudate morphology and intelligence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Rachael G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Grazioplene
authors.forename: Sephira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: G Ryman
authors.forename: Jeremy R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rustichini
authors.forename: Rex E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Colin G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: DeYoung
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology; D002421:Caudate Nucleus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: IQ; caudate; dorsal striatum; intelligence; magnetic resonance imaging