# Longitudinal Neurocognitive Studies of Mathematical Disabilities: trajectories and outcomes

> **NIH NIH R37** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $716,344

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Mathematical cognition provides a foundation for the development of quantitative skills critical for functioning in
the 21st century. Yet, math difficulties are widespread in children, adolescents, and college students, and one
in five adults in the USA is functionally innumerate. Low numeracy is associated with poorer health
outcomes, reduced health literacy, and improper use of health resources. Characterizing neurocognitive
developmental trajectories and risk factors of mathematical disabilities (MD) is critical for addressing the public
health burdens of innumeracy. Building on an innovative and high-impact line of research, we propose to
investigate neurocognitive longitudinal trajectories and outcomes in MD. We focus on two key cognitive
domains impaired in MD: (1) number sense, including representations of quantities, numbers, and their
mental manipulation, and (2) arithmetic skills, including numerical problem solving and fluent retrieval of math
facts from memory. Our central hypothesis is that, relative to typically developing (TD) controls, individuals
with MD will exhibit atypical developmental trajectories of brain response, representations, and connectivity in
two functional brain systems: (1) the parietal visuo-spatial attention system, which supports quantity
representations, and (2) the medial temporal (MTL) declarative memory system, which supports arithmetic
fact retrieval. We will test (1) core and access deficit models of atypical number sense development and (2)
a memory deficit model of weak fact retrieval. Using state-of-the-art multimodal brain imaging and three
innovative longitudinal designs, we will test these models by (1) characterizing developmental trajectories in
children and adolescents, spanning elementary, middle, and high school years (ages 7 to 16), with an
accelerated longitudinal design; (2) identify brain measures that predict longitudinal 2-year early math
trajectories and outcomes in young children prior to formal instruction or MD diagnosis (ages 5-7); and (3)
identify brain measures that predict longitudinal 10-year long-term math outcomes in adolescents (age 17)
who were previously characterized in childhood. Three innovative longitudinal designs will address critical gaps
in our understanding of neurocognitive systems impacted over development in MD. Findings will inform our
understanding of the etiology of MD and the development of targeted cognitive interventions that may
ultimately reduce the public health burden of low numeracy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10468844
- **Project number:** 5R37HD094623-05
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Vinod Menon
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $716,344
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-24 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10468844

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10468844, Longitudinal Neurocognitive Studies of Mathematical Disabilities: trajectories and outcomes (5R37HD094623-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10468844. Licensed CC0.

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