(NewsNation) — A new study suggests human brains go through five different “eras” during a person’s lifespan.
According to Nature.com, scientists identified four major topological turning points across a lifespan: around 9 years old, 32, 66, and 83.
“These ages defined five major epochs of topological development, each with distinctive age-related changes in topology,” scientists said.
Analysis from the study also revealed the adult era of a human’s brain peaks around age 30, where the brain is maximally efficient and integrated. Scientists determined this by using an inflection point — a crucial point of change in organizational metrics.
“This study underscores the complex, non-linear nature of human development, with unique phases of topological maturation, which can only be illuminated with a multivariate, lifespan, population-level perspective,” scientists added.
Topology develops with age and is associated with key cognitive, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. Its relationships have been established within relatively narrow age ranges, such as childhood.