Your brain isn’t fixed in place. It evolves across your lifetime, shaped by a mix of genetics, hormones and environmental factors—each influenced by emotional, intellectual and physical milestones, says neurologist Dr Prashant Natteru.
Here’s what experts say about how the brain develops through life stages, and what to expect at each point—for you, your children or ageing parents.
Childhood
It’s hard to miss how babies explore the world—often by putting everything in their mouths. This curiosity is part of how the brain builds essential connections in early life. After birth, the brain receives input through multiple types of stimulation—mechanical (touch and texture), chemical (taste and smell), and visual (light and movement)—which help shape sensory pathways like sight and hearing.
“Our sensory receptors are constantly activated, and the brain learns to interpret all this input,” says associate professor Dr Agenor Limon. In the first few years of life, more than a million new neural connections are formed every second
Adolescence
During adolescence, the brain’s limbic system—responsible for emotion, reward and risk-taking—is especially active. This helps explain why teenagers sometimes engage in behaviours they know are risky, especially in social situations.
“This part of the brain is more responsive to short-term rewards than long-term consequences,” says Dr Natteru. It’s part of why teens might be more inclined to speed, experiment or push boundaries.
At the same time, the teenage brain is remarkably adaptable. “It’s still capable of structural and molecular change,” he explains, “which makes it an ideal period for learning new behaviours and forming lasting habits.”
Early adulthood
By our mid to late 20s, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for executive functions like decision-making, impulse control and long-term planning—finally reaches maturity.
“This development helps with emotion regulation, reasoning and the ability to think abstractly,” says author and health science professor Dr Charlotte Markey. These functions often kick in just as many people are navigating major life transitions—starting careers, building relationships or becoming parents.
Pregnancy and postpartum
Yes, “baby brain” is real. Pregnancy and the months that follow bring massive hormonal shifts, particularly in oestrogen and progesterone—two hormones that influence neurotransmitters tied to memory, focus and mood.
“Pregnancy-related changes in brain function are well documented,” says Dr Natteru. “Women may experience forgetfulness or trouble focusing, especially when combined with sleep deprivation.” The fog usually lifts as hormone levels settle—and as babies (hopefully) start sleeping through the night.
Menopause
During perimenopause and menopause, many women report brain fog, forgetfulness or slower recall. According to Dr Natteru, this is largely due to reduced oestrogen, which affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—important players in learning, memory and mood regulation.
While these changes are often temporary, some women find relief through hormone therapy. Others benefit from lifestyle strategies like consistent sleep, regular movement and mental stimulation.
Mature adulthood
As we age, it’s normal to experience mild changes in memory and processing speed. “You might take longer to find the right word or remember a name,” says Dr Charlotte Markey. “This can relate to age-related changes in the prefrontal cortex, which affects attention, decision-making and impulse control.”
However, older adults also have the benefit of crystallised intelligence—knowledge, life experience and verbal reasoning built over time. “You start to know what matters and what doesn’t,” says cognitive specialist Dr Holmes.
And the outlook is optimistic: the ageing brain is still incredibly adaptable. “Even though learning might be slower, it’s absolutely possible,” says Dr Limon. In fact, vocabulary, verbal reasoning and numeracy often stay steady or even improve with age.
Brain change is a lifelong process—and that’s a good thing. From the first sensory signals of infancy to the wisdom of later life, your brain evolves with you.
By staying mentally and socially active, prioritising rest, moving regularly and eating a brain-supportive diet, you can give your brain the support it needs through every stage.
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