Brain has five 'eras' with adult mode not starting until early 30s
a day ago
- #human-aging
- #neuroscience
- #brain-development
- Scientists identified five major epochs of human brain development based on brain scans of nearly 4,000 people.
- The five phases are separated by four pivotal turning points at ages 9, 32, 66, and 83.
- Childhood development occurs from birth to age 9, transitioning to adolescence (up to age 32).
- Early 30s mark the shift into adult brain mode, lasting over three decades.
- A turning point at age 66 starts the 'early ageing' phase, followed by 'late ageing' at around 83.
- Brain organization was measured using 12 factors, including wiring efficiency and compartmentalization.
- Childhood involves 'network consolidation,' pruning synapses, and decreasing wiring efficiency.
- Adolescence sees refined brain communication networks and increasing connection efficiency.
- Around age 32, the brain stabilizes, corresponding with a plateau in intelligence and personality.
- Final turning points involve decreased connectivity due to ageing and white matter degeneration.