Our brains peak in our early 30s, research says

"New research now suggests that our brains are still in the teenage phase until we "peak" in our early thirties. Researchers from the University of Cambridge looked at scans from around 4,000 people up to the age of 90 to reveal the connections between their brain cells. Rather than progressing steadily over our lifetimes, research published in the journal Nature Communications suggests our brain goes through five distinct phases in life, with key turning points happening at ages nine, 32, 66, and 83."

"The most surprising takeaway from the study is that the adolescent phase lasts far longer than expected. Based on how the brain forms connections, this phase lasts until roughly age 32. That means that while you're trying to get your act together in your 20s, your brain is pretty much still a teenager. (Important to note is this distinction is based on the brain's efficiency at making connections, not a sign of arrested development or an excuse to act like a manchild)."

Scans from around 4,000 people up to age 90 reveal brain-cell connectivity evolving through five distinct life phases with turning points at ages nine, 32, 66, and 83. The first stage, birth to nine, features rapid growth in size. From about nine to roughly 32 the brain enters an extended adolescent phase focused on increasing efficiency, a period with highest risk for onset of mental health disorders. Around 32 the brain reaches peak efficiency, using the most direct pathways and marking entry into a long, stable adulthood during which personality and intelligence stabilize. Later stages show further shifts in older age.

Read at Fast Company