Expert: Walter Hintz - 1/29/2007

Question
I recently read an offhanded mention that human brains continue to develop
new physical structures long after early childhood; that at around 15-16, part
of our prefrontal lobe forms (or takes new shape, or some such), and that at
around 20-21 the balance of our prefrontal cortex is--at long last--
completed.

Is this true? That our brain development continues into our 20s, with novel
neurological structures? If so, what does the finaly burst of cortical growth
-do-?: I don't feel any smarter at 22 than I was at 20!

Answer
Hi Ruti
The original statement is correct but all growth does not stop until death.  Additional growth has nothing to do with you feeling smarter but you should be smarter at 22 than at 20.  It is learning that makes you smarter.  See! Now you are already smarter after reading this.