What happens to your brain as you age

Summary

The video script explores the life cycle of the human brain, from its formation two weeks post-conception to its activity post-mortem. It highlights the brain's growth, the creation of neurons and synapses, and the concept of neuroplasticity. The script delves into the brain's development stages, from infancy to old age, discussing changes in cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and the impact of puberty and menopause. It concludes with insights into the brain's activity during the dying process, suggesting a final recall of significant life events.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The human brain starts forming just two weeks after conception and is the body's mission control, constantly transforming throughout life.
• 🌱 At birth, a baby's brain has about 100 billion neurons, more than an adult's, which are later pruned to optimize brain function.
• 🔌 Neurons are interconnected by synapses, which increase from an average of 2,500 per neuron at birth to about 15,000 in early childhood, enhancing learning capabilities.
• 📈 Neuroplasticity allows the brain to strengthen or weaken synapses based on usage, making the brain more efficient and adaptable to new information.
• 👶 Childhood experiences can have a profound impact on development due to the high plasticity and synapse formation rate during early years.
• 🧩 From ages 3 to 10, the brain begins to eliminate unnecessary connections, a process influenced by use and experience.
• 🧠 The brain's development continues into adolescence with varying rates in different areas, affecting behavior and emotional responses.
• 🧘‍♂️ The prefrontal cortex, linked to self-control and rationality, develops more slowly than the emotion-driven parts of the brain, influencing teenage behavior.
• 🌐 Post-puberty, the brain's prefrontal cortex further develops, enhancing social interactions and potentially making individuals more susceptible to social anxiety.
• 🧓 As we age, the brain maintains plasticity, allowing it to adapt and change, with older adults often using both brain hemispheres for short-term memory tasks.
• 💡 The brain's white matter volume peaks around age 40, and cognitive processing slows due to decreased production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
• 🔮 Recent studies suggest that the brain may recall important life events just before death, possibly explaining near-death experiences.
• ⏳ Brain activity might continue for several minutes after the heart stops, indicating that the brain doesn't immediately cease functioning upon death.

Q & A

When does the formation of the human brain begin?

The formation of the human brain begins about 2 weeks after conception, starting with the development of the neural plate.

What is the role of the neural tube in brain development?

The neural tube, which forms around week four of embryonic development, is crucial as it folds over onto itself and ultimately creates the nervous system.

How many neurons does a newborn baby's brain contain at birth?

A newborn baby's brain contains about 100 billion neurons, which is more than an adult brain.

What are the points of contact where electronic signals are passed between neurons called?

The points of contact where electronic signals are passed between neurons are called synapses.

How does the process of myelination affect the speed of information transmission in the brain?

Myelination, the process where some neurons become insulated by a fatty substance called myelin, allows these neurons, known as white matter, to transmit information faster between brain areas, facilitating more complex processes.

Why might children find it easier to learn languages or musical instruments?

Children may find it easier to learn languages or musical instruments due to the high number of synapses they have, which allows for faster formation and strengthening of neural connections.

What is neuroplasticity and how does it relate to brain development?

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to strengthen or weaken synapses depending on their use, ensuring the brain is more efficient and can absorb new information effectively.

How does the brain change during the teenage years?

During the teenage years, the brain continues to develop with the insulation of neurons, experiences major changes in the limbic system controlling emotions, and shows increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex related to self-evaluation.

What is the significance of the prefrontal cortex in brain development post-puberty?

The prefrontal cortex, which increases in connections post-puberty, is significant as it joins the emotional and motor centers, contributing to full brain development by the 30s.

How does the brain adapt as we age?

As we age, the brain continues to adapt through plasticity, with older adults more likely to use both sides of the brain for short-term memory and showing resilience by reacting less to negative stimuli.

What happens to the brain at the moment of death according to the script?

At the moment of death, there is a change in a specific band of brain waves involved in high cognitive functions, suggesting that the brain may recall important life events, which could explain near-death experiences.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 The Life Cycle of the Brain

This paragraph delves into the intricate development and functioning of the human brain. It begins with the formation of the neural plate in the embryo and the subsequent development of the nervous system. The script explains that at birth, a baby's brain contains more neurons than an adult's, which are later pruned to form efficient synaptic connections. The concept of neuroplasticity is introduced, highlighting the brain's ability to strengthen or weaken synapses based on usage. The paragraph also touches on the impact of early childhood experiences on brain development and the changes in the brain's emotional and reward systems during adolescence.

05:00

📈 Brain Development and Aging

The second paragraph explores the continued development of the brain throughout life, including the process of myelination that enhances the speed of information transmission. It discusses the brain's full development by the age of 30 and the peak volume of white matter around 40. The script highlights the brain's adaptability through neuroplasticity, which allows it to change and adapt even in older age. It also mentions the brain's resilience to negative stimuli with age and the effects of menopause on brain function. The paragraph concludes with insights into cognitive decline, the thinning of the cerebral cortex, and the reduction in chemical messengers, leading to slower cognitive processing. It also touches on recent discoveries about brain activity at the moment of death and the potential for the brain to continue functioning for a short period post-mortem.

Keywords

💡Neurons

Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Defined as 'hundreds of nerve cells called neurons,' they are crucial to the brain's function and development, as highlighted by the script's mention that 'at Birth your brain contains about 100 billion neurons.' The script also discusses the shedding of excess neurons and the formation of synapses, which are critical for the brain's plasticity and learning capabilities.

💡Synapses

Synapses are the junctions between neurons where information is passed in the form of electrical or chemical signals. The script refers to synapses as 'the point of contact where electronic signals are passed between neurons,' emphasizing their role in neuronal communication. The development of synapses is also linked to the brain's ability to learn and adapt, as indicated by the increase in the average number of synapses per neuron from birth to early childhood.

💡Myelin

Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates some neurons, known as white matter, and facilitates faster transmission of information between brain areas. The script mentions that 'some neurons become insulated by a fatty substance called myelin,' which is essential for complex brain processes. Myelin is also associated with the brain's maturation and the increase in the speed of neural transmission.

💡Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience. The script describes it as 'your brain's way of making sure it's more efficient with experience and absorbs new information.' This concept is central to understanding how the brain develops and learns throughout life, including the strengthening or weakening of synapses based on use.

💡Development

Development in the context of the script refers to the growth and maturation of the brain from birth to adulthood. It is exemplified by the script's discussion of the brain's initial high number of neurons, the increase in synapses, and the eventual pruning of unnecessary connections. Development is a key theme, illustrating the life cycle of the brain and its capacity for change.

💡Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex is a region of the brain associated with self-control, rationality, and decision-making. The script notes that 'the prefrontal cortex... is linked to self-control and rationality,' and discusses its later development compared to other areas like the ventral striatum. This region's development is crucial for understanding adolescent behavior and the capacity for risk-taking.

💡Lymbic System

The limbic system is involved in controlling emotions and is undergoing significant changes during adolescence. The script mentions 'major changes in their limbic system,' which may explain why teenagers experience mood swings. This system's development is critical for emotional regulation and is linked to the differences in emotional and rational brain functions.

💡Puberty

Puberty is a stage of physical maturation marked by hormonal changes that also affect brain development. The script discusses 'increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex' during puberty, which relates to self-evaluation and social interactions. This period is essential for understanding the social and emotional changes that occur during adolescence.

💡White Matter

White matter consists of myelinated neurons that facilitate rapid communication between different areas of the brain. The script refers to the increase in white matter volume around the age of 40, indicating its importance in cognitive processing and the aging brain. White matter's changes are a significant aspect of the brain's life cycle and its capacity for efficient information transfer.

💡Cognitive Processing

Cognitive processing encompasses the mental operations involved in thinking, understanding, and remembering. The script mentions that 'the Brain generates fewer chemical Messengers such as dopamine and serotonin which leads to slower cognitive processing,' highlighting the impact of aging on cognitive abilities. This concept is vital for understanding the brain's functionality and its decline with age.

💡Near-Death Experiences

Near-death experiences are profound psychological events that some people report during life-threatening situations, often involving a review of life events. The script suggests that 'just before you die your brain may recall important life events,' which may explain the phenomenon of life flashing before one's eyes during near-death experiences. This concept relates to the brain's activity at the end of life and its capacity for high cognitive functions.

Highlights

The brain starts to form about 2 weeks after conception, with the neural plate developing into a tube that forms the nervous system.

At birth, a baby's brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons, more than an adult's, facilitating healthy brain development.

Excess neurons are shed before adulthood, but the lack of synapses, which are points of contact for electronic signals between neurons, is compensated by their rapid formation.

Some neurons are insulated by myelin, forming white matter that allows faster information transmission and supports complex processes.

The average number of synapses per neuron increases dramatically from birth to early childhood, potentially explaining children's ease in learning languages or musical instruments.

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to strengthen or weaken synapses based on usage, is a key factor in brain development and efficiency.

From ages 3 to 10, the brain removes unnecessary connections, optimizing its structure and function through experience.

The development of the brain's reward system occurs faster than the prefrontal cortex, which is linked to self-control and rationality.

Teenagers experience significant changes in their limbic system, which controls emotions, potentially leading to mood swings.

Puberty brings increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, affecting self-evaluation and social interactions.

Older adults may use both brain hemispheres for short-term memory, indicating a continued capacity for brain adaptation.

Middle-aged brains have learned to minimize the negative, with the amygdala showing less reaction to negative images in older adults.

Postmenopausal women may have higher structural connectivity between some brain regions, suggesting more efficient connections despite hormonal changes.

The slowing of cognitive processing with age begins in the 30s and 40s, with a more noticeable decline in the 60s and 70s.

The cerebral cortex thins in later life, particularly affecting memory, emotions, and navigation.

Brain activity may continue for several minutes after cardiac arrest, with specific brain waves indicating high cognitive functions.

Recent studies suggest that the brain may recall important life events just before death, potentially explaining near-death experiences.

The brain's continued activity even after death highlights the complexity and resilience of this vital organ.

Transcripts

[Music]

your brain is one of your most important

organs home to billions of neurons it's

your body's mission

control as you go through life your body

changes

radically inside your head your most

complex organ is constantly transforming

too beginning work before you're born

and continuing even after you've been

declared

dead this is the life cycle of your

brain

[Music]

your brain starts to form about 2 weeks

after

conception on one side of the developing

embryo the cells thicken to form what is

called the neural

plate around week four this folds over

onto itself forming a tube which

ultimately creates the nervous

system every minute from the time the

neural tube closes your brain is growing

hundreds of nerve cells called

neurons at Birth your brain contains

about 100 billion neurons more than an

adult this gives the baby the best

chance of developing a healthy

brain the excess neurons are shed before

you become an

adult but what you don't have is a lot

of shapses the point of contact where

electronic signals are passed between

neurons which in turn change the

behavior of the

neurons some neurons become insulated by

a fatty substance called myelin these

neurons known as white matter are able

to transmit information faster between

brain areas allowing more complex

processes to take

place when you're born the average

number of copses per neuron is

2,500 but that's increases to

approximately 15,000 per neuron over the

first few years of your life as your

neurons mature and create new

copses the speed at which they form

copses could be one reason children find

it easier to learn things like languages

or musical

instruments it's also why children's

experiences in this phase can have

lasting effects on their

development from 3 until about 10 your

brain starts to remove connections it no

longer needs neuroscientists used to

think all copses worked at a constant

fixed level but now they understand that

copses can be strengthened or weakened

depending on how they are

used this is known as

neuroplasticity it's essentially your

brain's way of making sure it's more

efficient with experience and and

absorbs new

information if you're enjoying this film

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Economist you'll receive daily and

weekly analysis of global Affairs you

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to the audio Edition for the best offer

click the

link by the time you become a teenager

your brain has stopped growing but it

continues to

develop the insulation of the neurons

which begins at Birth continues over

many years it starts at the back of the

brain and moves forward so different

parts of your brain develop at different

rates areas associated with reward like

the ventral striatum develop faster than

the prefrontal cortex which is linked to

self-control and

rationality teens also experience major

changes in their lyic system the part of

the brain that controls emotions

all this might explain why teenagers

experience more mood swings than

adults neuroscientists believe the

difference in development between the

emotion-driven part of the brain and the

rational part may also be the reason

teenagers are more likely to take risks

or experience addiction compared with

adults puberty also brings with it

increased activity in The Venture medial

prefrontal cortex the part of the brain

that relates to

self-evaluation this change can improve

teenagers understanding of social

interactions and their ability to form

friendships but it might also make them

more susceptible to social

[Music]

anxiety post puberty the brain continues

to develop brain tissue in the

prefrontal cortex increases connections

joining the emotional and motor

centers your brain reaches full

development by your 30s and white matter

reaches the highest volume at about 40

but it's not all downhill from

there as you age plasticity allows your

brain to keep changing and

adapting research has shown older adults

are more likely to use both sides of the

brain for short-term memory rather than

just the left brain

hemisphere middle-aged brains have also

learned to minimize the

negative scientists have found the

amydala the part of the brain that deals

with emotion lights up when younger

people look at both positive and

negative

images but for older adults it reacts

much less when shown negative

images this might be because as you age

you become more

resilient Decades of experience in

dealing with difficult situations

activates neural Pathways which can be

used when you experience a similar

[Music]

situation for those who go through the

menopause changes to the amount of

estrogen affect brain energy consumption

producing symptoms like hot flushes and

mood swings

the volume of white matter also falls

and doesn't recover but despite this

those who are postmenopausal have higher

structural connectivity between some

brain regions than those who don't go

through the menopause meaning that the

connections in those regions may become

more

efficient the point at which your brain

begins to slow down depends on your

genes but on the whole studies show that

the slowing process begins in your 30s

and 40s before accelerating in your 60s

and

70s As you move into later life your

cerebral cortex which is the outer layer

of the brain

thins this is particularly noticeable in

the frontal lobe and the hippocampus

which are important for memory emotions

and

navigation your white matter shrinks and

the Brain generates fewer chemical

Messengers such as dopamine and

serotonin which leads to slower

cognitive

processing until very recently

neuroscientists didn't know what happens

to your brain when you

die but by chance doctors were recording

the brain waves of a patient when he

died of a heart attack they found a

change in a specific band of brain waves

involved in high cognitive functions

such as concentrating dream dreaming and

memory

retrieval suggesting that just before

you die your brain may recall important

life events which may explain why those

who have near-death experiences report

seeing their lives Flash before them and

your brain doesn't stop working even

when you're

dead some Studies have found that brain

activity may continue for several

minutes even after your heart has

stopped

[Music]

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[Music]

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