What causes dyslexia?

    Last Updated: November 2, 2023

    The exact cause of dyslexia remains uncertain, but researchers are exploring both genetic and neuroimaging pathways to understand the pathophysiology of dyslexia, which could help in designing more accurate diagnostic and treatment strategies.

    Research suggests that children with an affected parent inherit the condition at a rate of 40-60%, indicating a genetic component in dyslexia. Ongoing studies aim to determine the specific genes associated with dyslexia and explore how other factors, such as genetic heterogeneity or phenotypic differences, may influence the findings.[1]

    Additionally, anatomical and brain scans show variations in the formation and development of the brains of people with dyslexia. Researchers are trying to bridge the gap between genetic discoveries and neuroimaging results, in order to determine the impact of gene polymorphisms on specific brain regions in individuals with dyslexia.[2][3]