Preconception to late adolescence; key impacts on brain development & function.
The Conference is designed to prioritise practical actions by assembling cutting edge findings. The impact of environment, parental and external, is crucial on sperm & ovum, embryo, and on the brain itself during rapid development. Perinatal experience is also crucial. Nutrition and emotions, at some key stages from preconception to late adolescence, particularly affect brain development and function for life. Our genes have not been fine-tuned for today’s lifestyle, and cannot be.
Europe’s €386bn spent in 2004 on mental problems can be nothing compared to the agonies of individuals and their families, as well as the knock-on effects of violent behaviour, socially and globally. But attention to specific developmental stages is already improving health, intelligence and behaviour. Far more can now be achieved.