High-Tech

Brain ​Development Continues Well into Later Life,‌ New Study Reveals

PARIS – Contrary to long-held beliefs, the​ human‍ brain ⁣doesn’t fully mature in adolescence or‍ young adulthood, but undergoes five distinct phases of development extending past age 80,⁤ according to a new study published⁢ in Nature Communications. Researchers have identified key ages – 9, 32, ⁤66, and 83⁣ – marking‌ important shifts ⁢in brain wiring ‌and organization.

The study highlights a period⁢ of ⁣explosive growth from birth ⁢to age 9, where the⁢ brain‌ rapidly forms ‌billions of new connections while‌ simultaneously pruning ‌unused ones.Both gray‌ matter, responsible for details processing, and⁤ white matter,‍ which transmits‍ information, ⁣experience rapid⁢ growth, fostering learning ‍and ​cognitive⁢ development.

This initial phase is followed by ⁢a period ⁣of maturation lasting until around age 32, during which communication networks refine and connections between different brain regions are optimized. this stage is critical for​ consolidating cognitive and social ⁣skills.

After ​age 32, the brain’s structure generally stabilizes for approximately ⁣three decades. However, around age 66, early signs of aging⁣ begin to appear, characterized by a ⁤progressive degradation of white matter ⁢and connections, increasing vulnerability in certain brain functions.

after age 83, connectivity⁤ continues to decline, and the brain increasingly ‍relies on key areas. ⁣These distinct phases may explain ⁤the typical onset ⁤of certain disorders,‍ such ⁣as learning difficulties in childhood and memory loss or dementia in older age.

“Our brains ⁤also go through periods ‌of transition, ⁤much like ​our lives,”⁣ explains Duncan Astle, led author of the⁤ study. Understanding these developmental ‌stages could allow researchers to more effectively target educational and medical interventions for specific age groups.