At what age does the human brain develop and the effects of aging on memory?

The brain changes most dramatically during childhood and adolescence, but the process of perfecting neural connections continues into adulthood. Specifically, after age 20, the brain continues to develop and improve.

In young children, the brain develops very rapidly in structure and neural connections. Connections between neurons are formed in large numbers, then connections that are rarely used are gradually eliminated, while connections that are regularly active are strengthened. This process makes neural networks more specialized and efficient.

During adolescence, the brain continues to reorganize. The prefrontal cortex - the region involved in planning, impulse control, evaluating consequences and making decisions - belongs to the late maturing group. The process of myelination, fine-tuning connections between brain regions, also continues.

At ages 5-32, white matter continues to increase, while gray matter gradually decreases as neural connections are refined and perfected. White matter peaks on average near age 29, so some growth and maturation processes continue beyond age 25.

As we reach middle age and old age, aging-related changes begin to become more apparent. However, the number of cortical neurons remains relatively stable during aging. The more notable changes are in neuronal structure, synapses, myelin, white matter and the activity of neural networks.

In people with normal cognition, cortical volume can decrease by about 0.4% per year between 40 and 80 years of age. Particularly in the hippocampus, a brain area that plays an important role in memory, the decrease increases by about 0.3-0.7% each year at the age of 40-80.

Aging also affects white matter and myelin. Some brain areas continue to develop myelin until about 40-50 years old. The process of demyelination tends to increase from about age 60 onwards. These changes contribute to slower information processing speeds and some cognitive functions with aging. Thus, the brain develops strongly in structure, continuing to improve through adolescence and early adulthood. After that, it will go through a gradual aging process with age.

To protect the brain, enhance memory, concentration and prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, you should get enough sleep and can regularly supplement blueberry essence rich in anthocyanin and pterostilbene combined with ginkgo biloba (ginkgo biloba). This essence can be used for children 12 years and older, contributing to caring for and protecting the brain right from the development stage.

Doctor Hoang Quyet Tien

Medical Information Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City