Multi-polygenic score prediction of mathematics, reading, and language abilities independent of general cognitive ability

This study investigated the heritability of mathematics, reading, and language ability independent of general cognitive ability (g) using twins and DNA. It examined the extent to which multiple genome-wide polygenic scores (multi-PGS) can predict these specific cognitive abilities (SCAs) independent of g (SCA.g) compared to SCAs uncorrected for g. Results showed that SCA.g are substantially heritable, although less so than uncorrected SCAs. Multi-PGS predicted a smaller portion of the variance in SCA.g than in uncorrected SCAs. The findings suggest the heritability of SCAs is not solely a reflection of g and encourage further research into SCA.g to develop genetic profiles of cognitive strengths and weaknesses independent of g.

Francesca Procopio, Wangjingyi Liao, Kaili Rimfeld, Margherita Malanchini, Sophie von Stumm, Andrea G. Allegrini, Robert Plomin