Human Brain Develops in Five Key Stages

Scientists have found that the human brain grows and changes in five big stages from when we're babies to when we're old.

They looked at brain scans from almost 4,000 people to figure this out.

The first stage is childhood, which lasts until we're about 9 years old.

Then comes adolescence, which goes up to about 32 years.

After that, we have early adulthood, which lasts for more than 30 years.

Around age 66, the brain starts aging early, and at 83, it begins the late aging stage.

During each stage, the brain changes in different ways.

For example, in childhood, the brain gets rid of extra connections and strengthens the important ones.

In adolescence, the brain's communication networks get better, which helps us think and learn more effectively.

Around age 32, the brain goes through big changes, and after that, it becomes more stable.

In the aging stages, the brain's connections decrease, and the white matter starts to wear out.

Understanding these stages can help scientists learn more about when the brain is most vulnerable and why some mental health problems happen during certain times of life.