The 5 eras of the brain: What it means for your health

A lot more than just your body changes from childhood to adulthood. Neurologists discovered that your brain rewires itself throughout your life, too.  

A University of Cambridge study found the human brain goes through five major eras in the average human lifespan. The brain’s structure changes and rewires around specific ages, marking times when the brain is either prime for growth, at peak function or beginning to decline.

“It’s true that the brain changes with time,” says Dr. Jigar Mankad, a neurologist at Aurora Health Care. “For example, at around age 8 to 9, the frontal lobe starts maturing. This is when we start seeing more complex neurodevelopment with kids. We notice self-dependency, preference for privacy and more concrete interests in games or subjects at school.” 

Here’s how the study defines each era of brain aging:   

• Childhood (birth to age 9): This is the era where the brain is building connections at a rapid pace. That’s why kids learn so quickly. 
• Adolescence (Age 9 to 32): The brain keeps reshaping and fine-tuning itself into your early 30s. This era lasts much longer than scientists previously thought.  
• Adulthood (Age 32 to 66): Your brain stabilizes in your 30s, entering its longest phase. This is when thinking and behavior tend to become more consistent.   
• Early aging (Age 66 to 83): The brain slowly begins changing when you reach your mid-60s. This usually doesn’t cause major cognition issues, but thinking may start to feel a bit slower. 
• Late aging (Age 83 and older): Your brain reaches the last era in your early 80s. This is when cognition is most likely to decline.  

The good news? Staying active and learning new things is one of the best ways to support your brain as it grows and adapts in these different eras, especially when you begin aging.  

“Anything that we stop doing causes neural networks to slowly deteriorate,” Dr. Mankad says. “It makes the brain think there is no need to retain what it learned earlier in life. You often see this start happening after age 60 or retirement when social engagement and expectations change.”  

Taking up a hobby in retirement, like painting, exercise or social activities, is a great way to combat this.  

Although staying active becomes more important as you age, your lifestyle still shapes your brain at every age.  

“Drinking alcohol, smoking at an early age, excessive videogame playing, lack of social contact or poor sleep hygiene can wire the brain differently compared to someone following healthier habits,” Dr. Mankad adds. “It’s important to stay active and exercise regularly. Social stimulation is also extremely important to keep the brain engaged.” 

Do you have more questions about brain health? Find a neurologist in Illinois or Wisconsin.