Context:
A recent study by researchers at University of Cambridge (MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit) — published in Nature Communications — analysed MRI brain‑diffusion scans of 3,802 individuals ranging from infancy to 90 years. The researchers identified four “turning points” in brain wiring, which define five major structural‑development phases (“epochs”) across the human lifespan. The turning points are at around ages 9, 32, 66 and 83.
The five epochs are:
|
Epoch |
Age |
Key Brain Changes |
|
Childhood |
0–9 |
Rapid synapse formation, pruning, and network consolidation; foundation for later cognition |
|
Adolescence |
9–32 |
Growing connectivity and efficiency; supports reasoning, learning, social cognition |
|
Early Adulthood |
32–66 |
Brain stabilises; peak rewiring at ~32; cognitive and personality plateau |
|
Early Ageing |
66–83 |
Gradual connectivity decline; increased vulnerability to neural health issues |
|
Late Ageing |
83+ |
Pronounced decline; functional isolation of regions; age-related cognitive risks rise |
Why It Matters:
-
- Life‑long map of change: Brain development is non-linear, adapting to stage-specific cognitive, social, and biological demands.
- Plasticity & vulnerability: Connectivity peaks in adolescence/early adulthood, declines gradually after 66 — informs education, mental health, and ageing strategies.
- Support for lifelong learning: Structural plasticity continues into late adulthood, enabling learning, re-skilling, and rehabilitation.
- Explains age‑specific cognition: Epochs correlate with developmental challenges, peak performance, and age-related decline.
- Framework for research & policy: Provides a baseline for neuroscience, education, public health, and gerontology, linking brain structure with cognitive performance and resilience.
- Life‑long map of change: Brain development is non-linear, adapting to stage-specific cognitive, social, and biological demands.
About Human Brain:
The human brain is the central organ of the nervous system. It controls thought, memory, emotions, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, and many other body functions. It is protected by the skull and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid.
Major Parts and Functions:
1. Cerebrum
o Largest part, divided into two hemispheres.
o Responsible for thinking, memory, voluntary movements, language, and senses.
2. Cerebellum
o Controls balance, posture, and coordination.
3. Brainstem (Midbrain, Pons, Medulla)
o Controls involuntary functions: heartbeat, breathing, digestion.
o Connects brain to spinal cord.
4. Limbic System (Hippocampus, Amygdala, Hypothalamus)
o Manages emotions, motivation, learning, and memory.
5. Thalamus
o Relays sensory and motor signals; regulates consciousness and sleep.
6. Corpus Callosum
o Connects the left and right hemispheres for communication.
Conclusion:
Human brain development is multi-phase and lifelong, not linear. Understanding these phases can guide education, public health, social policy, and personal growth — enabling individuals to harness neuroplasticity and support new ways of thinking throughout life.
