Doctor explains what happens as your brain ages and exact age it peaks

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A doctor has shed light on the brain's development during various life stages, pinpointing the prime time for language learning and when our cognitive abilities are at their peak.

Neuroscientist and neurosurgical medical researcher Dr Stefan Mindea spoke to the Mirror about how the brain evolves over time, taking years to fully mature.

"Brain development develops in stages. These phases of development and change throughout our lives correspond to distinct shifts in our thinking ability, emotional maturity, and physical as well as mental behaviour, i.e. how we think and act," he explained. Dr Mindea provided insights into what occurs at different developmental stages, offering a timeline of the brain's lifespan.

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Early Childhood (0-5 years)

"In this period, we see rapid growth in neural connections and learning capacity. The brain is highly plastic, meaning it can adapt quickly to new experiences, absorb new information, and lay the groundwork for language, social interactions, and problem-solving. This is basically why a child can learn to talk and even read without really appreciating what grammar is in the context of language," Dr Mindea detailed.

Adolescence (10-20 years)

Dr Mindea explained: "The brain undergoes a 'pruning' process, actively getting rid of unused neural connections while frequently used pathways are strengthened. This is why it's particularly harder for us to learn new tasks like languages or playing a musical instrument after this period of life, because these neural connections, if not used or developed, atrophy and ultimately get 'pruned' away.

"This period is also associated with a higher level of emotional sensitivity (getting your feelings hurt or developing psychological trauma if you weren't accepted by a particular group of friends etc)."

Brain Maturity (Mid-20s)

"This is when the frontal and prefrontal cortex completes its development, leading to improved impulse control, emotional regulation, and planning," said the expert.

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Midlife-Peak (40-60 years)

Dr Mindea said: "Many people experience shifts in cognitive priorities, often focusing more on what to contribute to the next generation and on personal self-reflection. This is also when some experience what's called 'cognitive peak,' especially in areas like verbal memory and accumulated knowledge. This is basically the point when you will achieve maximum mental output or brain performance."

Late Adulthood and beyond (65+ years)

"The brain gradually atrophies or shrinks, particularly in areas like the hippocampus, which is associated with memory but also in the frontal and pre-frontal cortices. This is why as we age, we forget things or even why elders can be swindled by scammers, because their frontal lobes start to atrophy," explained the neuroscientist.

"However, while what is called fluid intelligence (problem-solving and processing speed) may decline, crystallized intelligence (knowledge and skills acquired over a lifetime) often remains intact or even improves. So basically, we can keep the same knowledge base intact but the speed at which we put it in use gradually slows. It's like a computer that has a slower internet connection. All of the information is still basically, on the internet, there but it just can take a little longer to access that information."

Dr Mindea concluded: "These developmental milestones reflect how the brain changes over time, shaping not only how we think but also how we feel, interact with others, and see ourselves at each stage of life."

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