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1. What Does Age-Related Structural Brain Changes Mean For Behavior In An Aging Adult?

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1. Please describe the basic structures and organization in the brain.
The brain is made up of neurons. The features that make up the neurons are dendrites which receive signals from other neurons. Another part of the neuron is the axon which holds microfibers that carry information inside the neuron from the detricals to the endpoints of the neurons called terminal branches. The neurons in the brain communicate with one another through neurotransmitters that release chemicals.
2. What do age-related structural brain changes mean for behavior in an aging adult? Please include topics such as executive functioning, memory, and emotion.
As adults age their executive functioning start to slow down. The structural changes in the prefrontal cortex …show more content…

Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2015) state that there is research showing how brain plasticity can be enhanced through aerobic exercise (p.51). It is important that adults be active in their lives. A 30-minute walk or some type of physical activity will benefit them as the age. The text mentions a study done by Erickson and his colleagues in 2009 where they studied the effect of aerobic exercise on the hippocampus. They found that due to aerobic exercise it produced greater volume in the hippocampus. This is significant because the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is responsible for memory, emotions, and spatial functioning. The body does not only need physical activities to produce healthier cognitive functioning but also nutrients. The text identifies three nutrient biomarker patterns that are significant on the aging brain. These nutrients are vitamin B, C,D, and E, omega-3, and trans fat. the foods that belong to these nutrients are beneficial to the brain. Older adults should make an effort to include these nutrients into their diets. positive impacts these nutrients make are better cognitive functioning and greater brain

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