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Through past research, human brain Although we reach maturity at some point in our 20s, new research suggests that growth never stops.
Neuroscientists at the University of Cambridge have identified “five major periods,” or stages, of brain structure, according to a press release from the university.
The researchers say that over the lifespan, “we rewire ourselves to support different ways of thinking as we grow, mature, and ultimately decline.”
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The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, was led by the MRC Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at the University of Cambridge and examined the brains of 3,802 people from birth to age 90.
was used for comparison. special MRI scan The researchers said this tracks how water molecules move through brain tissue.
Representative MRI tractography images from each era of the human brain are shown, illustrating the general patterns seen throughout the brains studied. (Dr. Alexa Mousley, University of Cambridge)
The study pinpointed five major stages of brain structure, divided into four “tipping points” between birth and death.
1. Early childhood: from birth to age 9
During childhood, rapid brain growth and “network strengthening” occurs, including expansion of gray and white matter and stabilization of the brain surface. According to researchers, gray matter is responsible for information processing in the brain, while white matter enables communication.
Also, neuron connectors (synapses) are produced in excess and are reduced so that only the most active ones survive.
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The researchers noted that “connections are rewired throughout the brain in the same pattern from birth until approximately 9 years of age.”
At the age of 9, the brain’s cognitive abilities undergo “gradual changes” that increase the risk of: mental health hindrance.
2. Adolescence: 9 to 32 years old
During adolescence, which lasts on average until age 32, white matter continues to grow and the brain’s communication networks become more sophisticated and efficient.
Studies have also found that it improves connectivity, which promotes cognitive development and learning.
The first era of brain development occurs between birth and nine years of age, with an influx of neuronal connectors and brain matter. (St. Petersburg)
These developments peak in the early 30s, which is defined as the “strongest phasic turning point” in the lifespan.
Around age 32, “the changes in the directionality of the wires are the largest and the overall changes in the trajectories are the largest,” Dr. Alexa Mausley, a Gates Cambridge Scholar and principal investigator, said in a statement.
“While puberty has a clear beginning, the end of puberty is much more difficult to pinpoint scientifically,” she said. “Purely based on neural structure, we found that puberty-like changes in brain structure end around the early 30s.”
3. Adult age: 32 to 66 years old
Adulthood is the longest period of brain development, lasting over 30 years. At this stage, the brain’s structure is stable without major turning points, and this corresponds to a “plateau in intelligence and personality,” the researchers said, echoing other studies.
On the other hand, brain regions in adulthood become more compartmentalized or “separated.”
4. Early aging: 66 to 83 years old
Although no major structural changes were observed around 1966, the researchers still noted “meaningful changes” in the patterns of brain networks. This reorganization is most likely related to general aging, which coincides with decreased connectivity and white matter degeneration.
According to Maudsley, people this age are at increased risk for: health condition It can affect the brain, including high blood pressure.
The researchers pointed out that adulthood corresponds to a “plateau in intelligence and personality” for the brain. (St. Petersburg)
5. Late-stage elderly: 83 years old or older
The final brain structure is completed around age 83. Although data from this era is limited, the researchers noted significant changes in brain connectivity and increased dependence on specific areas.
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“Important context”
Duncan Astle, professor of neuroinformatics at the University of Cambridge and lead author, said in a statement: neurological condition They have to do with the wiring of the brain. ”
The final brain structure forms around age 83 and shows significant changes in decreased brain connectivity. (St. Petersburg)
“In fact, differences in brain wiring predict difficulties with attention, language, memory, and a variety of other behaviors,” he said.
“Understanding that structural changes in the brain are not a matter of steady progress, but rather one of a few major turning points, will help us identify when and how the brain’s wiring is susceptible to disruption.”
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Mausley commented that this study is the first to identify key stages in brain wiring across the human lifespan.
“These epochs provide important context about what our brains are best at, or more vulnerable to, at different stages of our lives,” she says. “It may help us understand why the brain develops differently at key points in life. learning difficulties in childhood Or they may develop dementia in their later years. ”
Dr. Paul Safia, a neurosurgeon and founder of Coaxial Neurosurgical Specialists in New Jersey, commented in an interview with Fox News Digital that while he agrees with the concept of stages of brain aging, “the separation they proposed is a little broad.”
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“I think there are earlier, more subtle, fundamental aging milestones,” he said. “Big changes occur between birth and the age of nine.”
Safieh, who was not involved in the study, noted that certain factors can influence how the brain ages, such as stimulating a child’s brain development with language, writing, math and music skills.
“Understanding that structural changes in the brain are not a matter of steady progress, but rather one of a few major turning points, will help us identify when and how the brain’s wiring is susceptible to disruption.” (St. Petersburg)
“Continuing to do these tasks is on the other end of the spectrum and can help prevent accelerated aging. late life” he said.
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Lifestyle factors such as healthy eating, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding alcohol intake illegal drug use According to experts, smoking can also help promote long-term brain health.
Safier added: “The ‘Blue Zones’ study also shows that people who live in socially active communities and avoid isolation also have improved brain health.” and longevity The incidence of dementia is lower. ”
