The human brain reorganizes itself at four distinct ages
A large study of brain scans from over 4,000 people has identified four distinct ages when the brain's structural network shifts its developmental trajectory. These turning points separate human life into five unique epochs of topological change.
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications has revealed that the human brain reorganizes itself at four key ages. The structural organization of the brain shifts non-linearly throughout a person's life, with major transitions occurring around the ages of nine, 32, 66, and 83. The research team, led by Alexa Mousley from the University of Cambridge, analyzed brain imaging data from 4,216 participants aged zero to 90 years old.
By tracking the movement of water molecules, the researchers mapped the physical wiring of the brain and calculated 12 different metrics to describe its topology. These metrics include integration, segregation, and centrality, which dictate how well different areas of the brain communicate. The study found that the brain's network architecture undergoes distinct changes at these four turning points, marking the start of new developmental phases.
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