Which of the following age-related changes affects memory and cognitive functions?

Which of the following age-related changes affects memory and cognitive functions?

• A. Enlargement of the brain
• B. Formation of tangles and plaques
• C. Increase in neural connections
• D. Reduction in blood volume

Answer: (B)

The formation of tangles and plaques is linked to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, which significantly impacts memory and cognitive functions. As individuals age, the accumulation of these proteins in the brain can disrupt communication between neurons, leading to cognitive decline and memory issues. Specifically, neurofibrillary tangles, made up of tau protein, and amyloid plaques interfere with normal brain function. This process is a key factor in understanding age-related cognitive decline, making it a crucial consideration in the assessment and treatment of older adults in various therapeutic contexts, including music therapy. In contrast, the other options present changes that do not directly lead to cognitive impairment in the same manner. For instance, while neural connections may decrease as part of normal aging, this does not occur universally or as dramatically as the impact seen with tangles and plaques. Similarly, the enlargement of the brain is not a defining characteristic of age-related cognitive decline, and a reduction in blood volume can have various health implications but is not solely responsible for memory and cognitive function deterioration. Thus, the formation of tangles and plaques stands out as a primary factor linked to significant memory and cognitive challenges in aging.

The formation of tangles and plaques is linked to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, which significantly impacts memory and cognitive functions. As individuals age, the accumulation of these proteins in the brain can disrupt communication between neurons, leading to cognitive decline and memory issues. Specifically, neurofibrillary tangles, made up of tau protein, and amyloid plaques interfere with normal brain function. This process is a key factor in understanding age-related cognitive decline, making it a crucial consideration in the assessment and treatment of older adults in various therapeutic contexts, including music therapy.

In contrast, the other options present changes that do not directly lead to cognitive impairment in the same manner. For instance, while neural connections may decrease as part of normal aging, this does not occur universally or as dramatically as the impact seen with tangles and plaques. Similarly, the enlargement of the brain is not a defining characteristic of age-related cognitive decline, and a reduction in blood volume can have various health implications but is not solely responsible for memory and cognitive function deterioration. Thus, the formation of tangles and plaques stands out as a primary factor linked to significant memory and cognitive challenges in aging.