A new study reveals that the brain’s ability to process information may decline more sharply with age than previously believed, challenging long-held assumptions about cognitive aging. Researchers found evidence suggesting that neural efficiency drops significantly earlier in adulthood than earlier models predicted, potentially reshaping how scientists and clinicians approach age-related cognitive decline. The findings highlight a critical gap in understanding how brain function evolves over time, with implications for developing targeted interventions. Experts suggest the results could prompt a reevaluation of when and how cognitive support strategies should be introduced.