A study from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience in London suggests that the brain continues to develop after childhood and puberty and that it is not fully mature until we are above 30 years old , and even after reaching 40. The findings contradict previous theories that pointed to a much earlier brain maturation.
The results of the research, led by neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, suggest that the prefrontal cortex is the area that experiences the longest period of development. This brain region is important for higher cognitive functions such as planning and decision making . In addition, it plays a key role in social behavior , empathy and interaction with other individuals, and some personality traits reside in it.
