Maturity, judgment, insight, and intelligence develop throughout childhood and young adulthood.
Parts of the brain mature at different rates, andsex hormonescan affect brain development between people of different sexes.
Men vs. Women
The hormonal direction of brain development differs slightly between males and females.
Halfpoint Images / Getty Images.
These differences impact the rate of growth of different brain regions.
How Brain Development Works
Brain development includes several different components that contribute to healthy structure and function.
Many of the pathways begin to function at a very early age.
For example, walking requires a sophisticated interaction between perception, balance, coordination, and adjustment.
This pathway is built almost instinctively as children learn to walk.
The ability to gain and improve skills mediated by the brain is described as neuroplasticity.
In general, neuroplasticity slows with aging but doesnt completely shut down.
Emotionally charged events can also affect brain development.
What Age Is Your Brain the Sharpest?
Sometimes, illness or abilities can cause a decline in brain skills.
Unless theres a specific reason, most people continue to improve many aspects of brain power throughout adulthood.
When Does Your Brain Start Aging?
Brain aging doesnt affect everyone in the same way.
Certain health conditions can harm the brain, accelerating age-related shrinking and damaging different parts of the brain.
Much of this development is genetically determined and follows an age-related pattern.
Life circumstances, health conditions, and deliberate actions can also have an impact.
A nurturing learning environment and healthy lifestyle can enhance brain development and reduce the effects of decline.
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Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.Changes that occur to the aging brain.
