The brain matures with stronger functional connectivity and decreased randomness of its network. PLoS ONE 7:e36896. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036896

We investigated the development of the brain’s functional connectivity throughout the life span (ages 5 through 71 years) by measuring EEG activity in a large population-based sample. Connectivity was established with Synchronization Likelihood. Relative randomness of the connectivity patterns was established with Watts and Strogatz ’ (1998) graph parameters C (local clustering) and L (global path length) for alpha (,10 Hz), beta (,20 Hz), and theta (,4 Hz) oscillation networks. From childhood to adolescence large increases in connectivity in alpha, theta and beta frequency bands were found that continued at a slower pace into adulthood (peaking at,50 yrs). Connectivity changes were accompanied by increases in L and C reflecting decreases in network randomness or increased order (peak levels reached at,18 yrs). Older age (55+) was associated with weakened connectivity. Semi-automatically segmented T1 weighted MRI images of 10