Adolescence lasts much longer than previously thought. A new study from the University of Cambridge, published in the journal Nature Communications, revealed that the human brain goes through five different stages throughout life.
These periods are characterized by “Turning points The “critical” elements that determine the path, or how the internal structure of the mind is organized.
Scientists after the analysis Brain scan Among nearly 4,000 people up to the age of 90, they found that adolescence extends much further than previously thought, and they claim that we “peak” at around 32 years of age.
The researchers were able to identify four Key moments Or “tipping points” in brain development: at ages 9, 32, 66 and 83. These points are the boundaries that define the five “ages” of the brain.
To understand it simply, Internal structure of a neural network – What scientists call topological evolution – does not follow a fixed path. This was indicated by the lead author of the research, Dr. Alexa Mosley The brain “rewires itself throughout life”It is a process that has “the ups and downs of brain reconnection.”
That means it At certain ages the brain changes: The mental “wiring” abandons the way it was organized to begin a different path.
Additionally, Mosley commented that he was very surprised “by how different the ages were It aligns with a number of important milestonessuch as the onset of puberty, advanced health concerns, and even major social changes, such as parenthood.
These periods define the “key eras” of development, after the era Childhood (from birth to 9 years):
The second period, which covers from 9 to 32 years of age, is the period that distinguishes Adolescence. This is the only stage in the brain’s life in which… The network of neurons becomes more efficient: Measurements indicate peak global efficiency at approximately age 29.
This is also a moment with Higher risks Onset of mental health disorders. The researchers pose the question of whether “there is something about this second era of life, as we find it, that could lead people to be more vulnerable to the onset of mental health disorders.”
After the age of 32, stage Pubertywhich lasts for three decades, Up to 66 years. This point (age 32) is presented as the most powerful topological turning point in life.
During this era, the brain experiences a Stabilization period. The change is slower compared to the “fireworks” in the previous stage. The efficiency of the brain – which improved until the age of 32 years – changes and The pattern is reversed. This is consistent with “A plateau “Intelligence and personality” that many adults observe or experience.
In terms of brain organization, the most notable feature during adulthood, they say, is increased connectivity between adjacent areas.
The third turning point occurs at age 66 Early onset of aging (up to age 83). This change does not mean a sudden decline, but rather a sudden decline Reorganizing communication patterns.
Instead of the brain functioning as a coordinated whole, the organ functions He separates Increasingly in areas they are collaborating with each other, something that can be compared to “band members starting their own solo projects”. This is known as an increase inStereotype“.
Although the study focused on healthy brains, at this age problems such as dementia and high blood pressure begin to appear, affecting brain health.
At age 83 years oldThe brain enters a stage Late aging. The changes are similar to those that occur in premature aging, however additional Notorious. The results of the study indicate that the relationship between age and brain structure may decline in late life.
Knowing these stages helps science better understand susceptibility to certain diseases. The findings “could help determine why neurological and mental health conditions develop during certain stages of reconnection.”
Professor Duncan Astle, a member of the research team, emphasizes the importance of brain connections: Differences in how the brain is “wired” can “predict difficulties.” With attention, language, memory and a whole series of different behaviours.
This knowledge is the basis for designing better treatments and supports for families and people at all stages of life.
Your Brain Changes: What are the five stages of the human brain? Image: Shutterstock illustration.
Extreme adolescence: the stage that lasts until the age of 32 years. Image: Shutterstock illustration.
Adult stability (and its cost in efficiency). Image: Shutterstock illustration.
Premature aging begins at the age of 83 years. Image: Shutterstock illustration.
The last stage of life. Image: Shutterstock illustration.
Why is this brain map important? Image: Shutterstock illustration.