New research from the University of Cambridge has shown that the human brain goes through five distinct phases of development from birth to late old age. Scientists have identified four critical age points – 9, 32, 66 and 83 years – that mark the transition between the phases. The findings provide a better understanding of the periods when the brain is particularly vulnerable to problems, from learning difficulties in childhood to age-related diseases such as dementia.
The study analyzed brain scan data from about 3,800 people aged from birth to 90. Using a method that tracks the movement of water molecules in the brain, scientists were able to create detailed maps of neural connections and identify key moments in structural changes in the brain throughout life.
Five phases of brain development:
- Childhood (up to 9 years): formation of billions of new neural connections, peak cortical thickness, development of gray and white matter.
- Adolescence (up to 32 years): growth of white matter and increased efficiency of connections between different parts of the brain.
- Adulthood (32–66 years): stabilization of brain structure, a period of relative “long pause” in changes.
- Early aging (66–83 years): gradual degradation of white matter, decreased efficiency of neural connections.
- Late aging (after 83 years): further decline in neural connectivity and gradual loss of structural brain plasticity.
The study's lead authors say the findings help to better understand the neural basis of attention, memory, language, and behavior disorders, opening up new perspectives for predicting and preventing cognitive disorders in both childhood and adulthood.
