CognitiveThe declinenotion afterof 22five isn'tbrain inevitable"eras" butexaggerates resultsdevelopmental fromtimelines, lifestyleignoring factorsrobust starvingevidence that the brainprefrontal ofcortex proper— inputskey to impulse control and reasoning — matures by age 25. WhileThis processingcould speedunjustly dropsinfantilize capable young adults, crystallizedcomplicating intelligencelegal benchmarks for voting and wisdomcontracts. actuallyTrue improvematurity withvaries age.from Strategicperson interventionsto likeperson; noveltyoveremphasizing training,delays dopaminerisks protectionpolicy missteps and mitochondrialoverlooks supportneuroplasticity's canrole maintainin mentalearlier sharpness indefinitelyadaptation.

Cognitive decline isn't inevitable; it results from lifestyle factors that starve the brain of proper inputs. While processing speed drops, crystallized intelligence and wisdom actually improve with age. Strategic interventions such as novelty training, dopamine protection, and mitochondrial support can maintain mental sharpness indefinitely when consistently practiced alongside restorative sleep and meaningful social engagement.