At what age does brain pruning typically begin?

Brain pruning, the process by which the brain eliminates unused synapses and strengthens frequently used ones, typically begins during early adolescence. This process is crucial for the development of more efficient neural pathways and occurs around the age of 10. During this time, the brain undergoes significant changes in preparation for the cognitive demands of later life stages. The prevalence of pruning around this age aligns with other developmental milestones, such as increased independence and social interactions, which necessitate more refined cognitive processing. While pruning continues into late adolescence and early adulthood, its initiation at approximately 10 years old marks a critical phase in cognitive and emotional development.