Scientists discover why parents can pass on dyslexia to their children

Researchers have identified the primary causes of dyslexia and how it can lead to reduced development in certain areas of the brain.

Genetic indicators suggest that a learning disorder, which leads to frequent misspellings and reading difficulties, is often hereditary and tends to be passed down through generations.

We have now isolated the exact DNA mutations that are likely responsible for the issue and ascertained the resulting effect on brain structure.

Dyslexia is partly influenced by genes and can be inherited, according to study author and neurogenetics researcher Sourena Soheili-Nezhad.

"Dyslexia is a complex trait that cannot be explained by changes in just one area of the brain or by a single gene," he added.

'Examining what genes influence which brain networks can help to comprehend how cognitive functions develop uniquely in this learning challenge.'

Researchers, as reported in the journal Science Advances, drew upon data from over a million individuals, sourced from 23andMe, a company that conducts at-home DNA testing and shares its results with customers.

This data revealed the genetic variants associated with an increased likelihood of a person having dyslexia, which affects approximately one in 10 individuals in the UK.

Scientists next drew upon the UK Biobank's database of 30,000 individuals, consisting of health information, such as medical imaging and genetic mutations, to investigate any correlations on brain scans of individuals who carried the previously discovered genetic mutation.

Scientists discovered that individuals with a distinct genetic profile had a reduced brain volume in regions responsible for motor coordination and phonological processing.

They discovered above-average volume in the brain area responsible for visual processing.

A decreased amount of white matter, deeper tissue in the brain that contains nerve fibers, was also linked to dyslexia.

"Our study used adult data, but some changes may be linked to shifts in brain development during early life stages, such as during fetal development or infancy, which persist throughout a person's lifetime," said genomics researcher Clyde Francks, also a contributor to the study.

Some changes might be consequences of the brain's response to decades of modified behavior in individuals with a higher genetic predisposition to dyslexia.

Reading habits in both personal and professional settings can have a significant impact on the brain's visual processing abilities over a prolonged period.

The authors of the study suggest that future research should concentrate on data from children, rather than adults, to track brain changes that occur due to the development of dyslexia.

'Studying the brain's basis of dyslexia could also eventually lead to earlier diagnosis and educational treatment in the future, with more tailored approaches based on the unique characteristics of each individual child' Soheili-Nezhad said.

Dyslexia does not affect one's intelligence, however, individuals with the condition may encounter difficulties with their studies unless they receive extra academic assistance.

Diagnosing dyslexia can be challenging in the early stages because some common signs, such as frequent misspellings or mispronunciations, are typically a natural part of the learning process as children develop their reading and writing skills.

Most young children with the learning disorder are usually identified during elementary school, but some individuals with the condition are not diagnosed until later in adulthood.

The National Health Service advises parents who are concerned about their child's reading and writing abilities to speak with their child's teacher, and then consider consulting with a general practitioner if necessary.

Adults can arrange for an assessment with the British Dyslexia Association.

Read more