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Cambridge Study Maps Five Brain Life Stages, With Key Shifts at Ages 9, 32, 66 and 83

Researchers say an MRI-based map of brain networks could guide support across education, mental health and ageing.

Overview

  • The study, reported in Nature Communications, analyzed brain connectivity in roughly 3,802 MRI scans from people aged 0 to 90.
  • An extended reorganization phase runs from about age 9 to 32, with the strongest topological shift occurring around 32.
  • Between 32 and 66 the brain shows a long period of relative stability before connectivity loss accelerates near 66.
  • Around 83 the brain’s communication pattern shifts from more global integration toward greater local dependence, with limited data for this oldest group.
  • Authors and external experts highlight potential uses for identifying ages of heightened vulnerability, while noting some media reports cite conflicting datasets or even a different journal.