At what age is it generally believed, based on research, that brain development or neurodevelopment in a young person is complete? Group of answer choices 22 years 25 years 15 years 18 years
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: 25 years
Brain development, also known as neurodevelopment, is a complex and gradual process that continues into early adulthood. Based on extensive research in neuroscience and developmental psychology, it is widely believed that the human brain does not fully mature until around the age of 25 years. This conclusion is supported by studies using neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which show that key areas of the brain continue to develop well into the mid-twenties.
One of the last brain regions to fully mature is the prefrontal cortex. This area is responsible for higher-order functions such as decision-making, impulse control, reasoning, planning, and understanding long-term consequences. While the brain’s limbic system, which drives emotions and reward-seeking behaviors, matures earlier, the prefrontal cortex develops more slowly. This mismatch explains why adolescents and even young adults may show risky behavior or emotional impulsiveness.
Another important aspect is myelination, the process of insulating nerve fibers to improve the speed and efficiency of electrical communication in the brain. Myelination continues into a person’s twenties, enhancing the brain’s overall performance and cognitive abilities. Synaptic pruning, another key developmental process where unnecessary neural connections are eliminated to strengthen important ones, also continues during this period.
The age of 25 is not an absolute cut-off, but it is considered a general marker for the end of major structural brain development. This understanding has influenced areas like criminal justice and education, where policies increasingly reflect the recognition that young adults may not have the same decision-making capacity as older adults. Overall, the age of 25 represents the point at which the brain is generally considered fully developed in terms of structure and function.