Study of Brain Development and Cognitive Flexibility in Chinese Toddlers Ages 32 to 34 Months Using MRI and Executive Function Testing

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the development of neural flexibility, measured by MRI, as an indicator of cognitive flexibility in Chinese toddlers aged 32 to 42 months. The study also evaluates executive functions such as inhibition, shifting attention, emotional control, working memory, and planning using the Global Executive Composite score from a standardized rating scale. This research aims to better understand brain development and cognitive abilities during early childhood. Participants are divided into two groups based on their daily milk consumption one group receives S-26 GOLD or ULTIMA GUM formula, while the other consumes cows milk. Parents continue feeding their children these milk products throughout the study, and information about milk consumption is collected starting up to two months before and during the study period. The brain is examined using MRI, a safe and non-invasive imaging technology. During the study, toddlers undergo MRI scans and assessments of brain structure and function at the start and again at 42 months of age. Researchers also evaluate cognitive flexibility, behavior, curiosity, sleep quality, home environment, feeding practices, and fecal microbiota composition over time. Parents provide information through interviews, and the childs development and school readiness are monitored. The study runs from baseline through 42 months of age, with additional home environment data collected at 8 months after baseline.

A First-ever Research Collaboration to Characterize MRI Measured Neural Flexibility Development in Chinese Toddlers