Neural Basis of Adolescent Cognition

Interest has been growing in the prospect of uniting brain and cognitive development
during adolescence. With the use of magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), researchers now have a better understanding of how the adolescent
brain actually functions. A surprising discovery is the fact that there are
changes in the structure of the brain that appear relatively late in child development.
Of special note during the teenage years is the second wave of synapse
formation just before puberty, along with a pruning back during adolescence.
It had already been known that prior to birth and during the first
months after birth there was an overproduction of connections, but it was not
known that a second spurt occurred. This time of rapid development of synapses
followed by the pruning of connections determines the cells and connections
that will be “hardwired.” From studies of growth patterns of the developing
brain, it has also been found that fiber systems which influence language
learning and associative thinking develop more rapidly just before puberty
and for a short period of time just after puberty. Changes in the prefrontal cortex
increase the adolescent’s potential to reason with more accuracy, show
more control over impulses, and make more effective judgments. Even the
cerebellum is still developing into adolescence. Although commonly associated
with physical coordination, the cerebellum also plays a role in processing
mental tasks, such as higher thought, decision making, and social skills. In
summary, it is now known that an important part of the growth of the brain is
happening just before puberty and well into adolescence.
Lillian J. Breckenridge