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Old 02-23-2010, 14:32   #38
Richard
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NorCal
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Just for consideration - recent brain development studies over the past decade have shown that forebrain [higher cognitive functions, including the ability to concentrate, reason, think in abstract form (logic), and judgment] development (especially in males) normally continues to progress and mature throughout the teen years until somewhere in the 20-27 year range.

Time and a number of scientific journals have run articles on the developing teen brain and behavior.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/sc...conv.html?_r=1

Areas involved in planning and decision-making, including the prefrontal cortex -- the cognitive or reasoning area of the brain important for controlling impulses and emotions -- appear not to have yet reached adult dimension during the early twenties.

http://www.sfn.org/index.aspx?pagena...olescent_brain

Richard
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