The key facts
- The peak of brain development is approximately 22–25 years, after which the volume of gray matter gradually decreases.
- By age 50, some indicators of mental abilities may decline by several percent.
- Smartphone use by itself does not mean accelerated brain aging, Kolobova noted.
Smartphones do not accelerate brain aging
Smartphone use by itself does not accelerate the biological aging of the brain, although gadgets can affect individual mental skills. Neuropsychologist Svetlana Kolobova told Abzats this. According to her, natural age-related changes should not be confused with the consequences of using digital devices: time spent on the phone does not mean that the brain will begin to age faster. “The mere fact that a person picked up a phone does not mean that their brain immediately aged,” the specialist explained.
Age-related changes in cognitive functions
According to Kolobova's assessment, the peak of brain development occurs at approximately 22–25 years, after which the volume of gray matter gradually decreases — the process is slow and does not immediately affect everyday life. “After 40 years, memory and reaction may deteriorate,” the neuropsychologist noted. By age 50, some indicators of mental abilities may decline by several percent, however accumulated knowledge and vocabulary can remain stable well into very old age.
Individual pace of processes
Kolobova emphasized that age-related changes can begin long before the first noticeable memory problems appear, and the pace of these processes is individual. The ability to learn and master new skills persists into adulthood as well.
The “Neuroexpress” program
Earlier, Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko announced the creation of the “Neuroexpress” program, which makes it possible to check a person's cognitive functions in 10–12 minutes. The development assesses attention, speech, thinking, the ability to count, and visual pattern recognition without constant involvement of a medical professional.
