Abstract
The idea that intelligence is embedded not only in a single brain network, but instead in a complex, well-optimized system of complementary networks, has led to the development of whole brain network analysis. Using graph theory to analyze resting-state functional MRI data, we investigated the brain graph networks (or brain networks) of high intelligence quotient (HIQ) children. To this end, we computed the “hub disruption index κ,” an index sensitive to graph network modifications. We found significant topological differences in the integration and segregation properties of brain networks in HIQ compared to standard IQ children, not only for the whole brain graph, but also for each hemispheric graph, and for the homotopic connectivity. Moreover, two profiles of HIQ children, homogenous and heterogeneous, based on the differences between the two main IQ subscales [verbal comprehension index (VCI) and perceptual reasoning index (PRI)], were compared. Brain network changes were more pronounced in the heterogeneous than in the homogeneous HIQ subgroups. Finally, we found significant correlations between the graph networks’ changes and the full-scale IQ (FSIQ), as well as the subscales VCI and PRI. Specifically, the higher the FSIQ the greater was the brain organization modification in the whole brain, the left hemisphere, and the homotopic connectivity. These results shed new light on the relation between functional connectivity topology and high intelligence, as well as on different intelligence profiles.
Highlights
Since the introduction of the “general model” described by Spearman in 1904 (Spearman, 1904), and the first standardized psychological tests developed by Binet (1905), the concept of intelligence has been a challenge in cognitive research (Haier, 2016)
The hub disruption index κ was used in this study, on the one hand to uncover the topological organization modification of brain networks in children with high intelligence, and on the other hand, to investigate whether these changes could be related to their specific cognitive profiles
Our study provided evidence that FC networks in high intelligence quotient (HIQ) children undergo modifications of integration and segregation properties, in comparison to standard intelligence quotient (SIQ) children
Summary
Since the introduction of the “general model” described by Spearman in 1904 (Spearman, 1904), and the first standardized psychological tests developed by Binet (1905), the concept of intelligence has been a challenge in cognitive research (Haier, 2016). HIQ children show better cognitive abilities in reasoning, problem solving, memory, language, visuospatial perception, and learning (Vaivre-Douret, 2011) These abilities are usually revealed by the four WISC subscales: the verbal comprehension index (VCI), the perceptual reasoning index (PRI), the working memory index (WMI), and the processing speed index (PSI), all of which provide a measurement of the full-scale IQ (FSIQ) (Berk, 1982). Some HIQ children may present associative learning troubles, attention deficits, and emotional and social maladjustments – described as the “di-synchrony syndrome” (Silverman, 1997; Terrassier, 2009) and usually detected as a significant difference between VCI and PRI values These clinical and neuropsychological observations have led us to define two profiles of HIQ children: the homogeneous HIQ (Hom-HIQ) and the heterogeneous HIQ (Het-HIQ), the latter characterized by a significant difference between VCI and PRI
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