Living at high altitudes affects the brain development of babies and toddlers, according to a new study.
George Wehby and colleagues from the University of lowa initiated to examine the risks of children living at high altitudes and found living above 8,530 feet doubling children's risks of experiencing some delays in their mental development compared to children living below 2,625 feet.
Previous studies have shown living at high altitude affecting physical development of growing children. Through the current study, researchers tried to analyze whether such a lifestyle affects mental development of children.
For the study, Wehby looked at 2,116 infants, aged between three months and two years, residing in five South American countries Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, during 2005 and 2006. The participants included both children living on high altitude and low altitude.
Pediatricians conducted some tests to measure motor skills and problem solving abilities of the children. Results showed living on high altitude (1 in 3 to 1 in 4) escalating the risks of poor brain development among infants and toddlers compared to those who live at a low altitude (1 in 5). Girls above two years were found at higher risks than boys.
The oxygen levels come down as the height increases. Oxygen is crucial for appropriate brain development of a fetus, authors explained causes behind the occurrence.
According to the findings, every 328 foot increase in altitude was associated with a two percent higher risk of developmental delays.
"Altitude may significantly increase the risk of neurodevelopmental problems during the first 2 years of life, especially for females during their second year of life," the authors concluded.
Concerned by the findings, the authors recommend health practitioners to spread awareness about the negative impact of living at high altitudes.
Results of the study have been published in the Journal of Pediatrics.