LIKE CHEESE YOUR BRAIN TAKES A LONG TIME TO MATURE

Believe it or not adolescence can last until you are 32 years old.

Research at Cambridge University of 3802 people aged 0-90 years old found there are 5 stages of brain ageing:

Childhood

Adolescence

Adulthood

Early Ageing

Late Ageing

Detail of the characteristics of each stage are:

CHILDHOOD

This is when the brain undergoes huge development. Connections between neurons (excess synapses) are reduced. This helps the brain to move information around the brain more efficiently.

Grey matter which makes up the outer layer ( cortex) expands.This area is responsible for emotions, memory and decision making.

ADOLESCENCE

From 9 until 32 the brain enters adolescence.Biggest changes occur in the connections between neurons which shapes how the brain learns and adapts.

ADULTHOOD

From 32 until 66 the brain enters adulthood. The brain stops becoming more efficient, the structure stabilises and becomes compartmentalised.

EARLY AGEING

This stage sees the brain having reduced connectivity and there is a degradation of the brain’s white matter (important for communication and helps process information from the senses)

LATE AGEING

From the age of 83, this stage sees a dramatic drop in brain connectivity.