Neighborhood conditions and neurodevelopment: A systematic review of brain structure in children and adolescents

The neighborhood context is increasingly recognized as a significant determinant of health. Advances in geospatial analysis and neuroimaging have facilitated an emerging field of research investigating how neighborhood conditions influence brain development. We conducted a systematic review, identifying 37 studies that examined associations between neighborhood conditions and brain structure in children and adolescents. We highlight key findings and research gaps across multiple domains of neighborhood conditions – socioeconomic status, demographic composition, social environment, built environment, physical environment, and health resources. Our review suggests that adverse neighborhood socioeconomic conditions are linked to structural brain differences, including reduced brain volume and white matter, and smaller surface areas. Additionally, observed race-related disparities in brain structures may be partially explained by residence in low-resourced neighborhoods, underscoring the role of structural inequities in shaping neurodevelopment. The majority of studies relied on the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study dataset, limiting the generalizability of findings. Critically, neighborhood conditions beyond socioeconomic status remain understudied, offering opportunities for future research to examine how positive conditions (e.g., social cohesion, greenspace, health resources) may foster neurodevelopment. This review emphasizes the urgent need for policies to reduce structural inequities while leveraging protective neighborhood conditions to promote equity and youth neurodevelopment.