Wired for Thought

As individuals age, changes naturally occur in the brain that affect its structure, function, and performance. While many cognitive abilities remain stable or decline only slightly with age, others—particularly memory, processing speed, and executive function—can show noticeable decline. The aging brain is a subject of immense interest in neuroscience due to its implications for quality of life, independence, and overall health in older adults. Understanding the biological, psychological, and environmental factors involved in brain aging is essential for developing strategies to preserve cognitive function and promote healthy aging. Structural and Functional Changes in the Aging Brain One of the most prominent features of brain aging is the gradual decline in brain volume and weight. These structural changes primarily occur in the cerebral cortex, particularly the frontal and temporal lobes, which are associated with higher-order cognitive functions. Grey Matter Atrophy: Grey mat...

The sensory and motor systems are crucial components of the nervous system that allow organisms to perceive their environment and respond appropriately. Sensory systems gather information from the external and internal environment, while motor systems enable physical responses to stimuli. Together, these systems are responsible for our ability to sense, interpret, and interact with the world around us. The Sensory System:  Overview The sensory system consists of specialized receptors and neural pathways that detect and process sensory stimuli. These stimuli may include light, sound, touch, temperature, pain, and chemical signals. The sensory system is divided into distinct modalities, each corresponding to a particular type of sensory input. Sensory information is gathered by sensory receptors and transmitted to the brain, where it is processed and interpreted to form perceptions. Types of Sensory Modalities   There are five primary sensory modalities, each with its own speci...