Peak Capabilities in Attention and Focus Occur Between the Ages of 27 and 36

Neuroscientists examined 139 brain imaging studies across the age range of 5 to 85 years, pinpointing the brain's activity related to cognitive control.

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2025 September 14 . 5:11 AM

2 min read

Peak abilties in focus and attention reach their summit between the ages of 27 and 36.

Peak Capabilities in Attention and Focus Occur Between the Ages of 27 and 36

A groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Zhenghan Li from Hangzhou Normal University and Dr. Guochun Yang from the Guangdong Intelligent Science and Technology Research Institute, has shed light on the lifespan trajectories of brain activities related to cognitive control. The research, titled "The lifespan trajectories of brain activities related to conflict-driven cognitive control," was published in Science Bulletin.

The study, conducted by a team including Dr. Timothy E. Keller, Dr. Xun Liu from the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Isaac T. Petersen from the University of Iowa, Dr. Lingxiao Wang from Hangzhou Normal University, and Dr. Joaquim Radua from the University of Barcelona, employed a comprehensive meta-analysis of 139 neuroimaging studies using conflict tasks. With a total of 3765 participants aged 5 to 85 years, the research provides valuable insights into the age-related changes in brain activities.

The researchers systematically studied the brain activities related to cognitive control, focusing on regions such as the prefrontal cortex and parietal areas. To investigate these age-related changes, they utilised seed-based d mapping (SDM), generalised additive model (GAM), and model comparison approaches.

The results of the study revealed that both the youth and the elderly showed weaker brain activities and greater left laterality compared to young adults. Interestingly, the lifespan trajectory of cognitive control was found to be inverted U-shaped, peaking between the ages of 27 and 36 years, which corresponds to young adulthood. This suggests that cognitive control abilities reach their peak during this period, after which they begin to decline.

This study not only deepens our understanding of the lifespan trajectories of brain activities related to cognitive control but also provides valuable insights into the aging process and potential interventions to maintain cognitive health. The research was published in Science Bulletin and serves as a significant contribution to the field of neuroscience.