Your brain grows in 5 big leaps, not just 1 long stretch, says new study
A new study found that our brains don't just grow steadily—they actually develop in five major phases, with big shifts around ages 9, 32, 66, and 83.
By looking at thousands of brain scans, researchers showed that each phase brings its own changes and challenges as we move from childhood to old age.
What happens in each phase?
From birth to age 9, your brain is busy wiring itself for learning.
Between ages 9 and 32, connections get faster and thinking skills sharpen up.
From your early thirties to mid-sixties, things level out—your brain architecture stabilizes and personality traits settle in.
After age 66, the brain starts showing signs of aging with slower connections.
And after 83, the brain enters a new phase of late aging.
Knowing these phases could help us spot when the brain is most vulnerable—and maybe even find ways to protect it as we grow older.
Why does this matter?
Understanding these key turning points helps explain why certain ages feel like such big transitions—whether it's learning fast as a kid or noticing changes later in life.
This research could lead to better support for mental health at every stage of life.