Before Completing This Discussion, Be Sure To Review 746916
Before Completing This Discussion Be Sure To Review Chapter 4 Of Your
Before completing this discussion, be sure to review Chapter 4 of your text, and the REM Sleep video. You may also find it helpful to explore the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development website from the recommended resources. After examining the research in human development presented in your required resources, please choose and complete one of the following discussion options: Option A : The brain goes through many changes as we age. Select and examine a developmental phase (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age) and describe the status of the brain at the selected phase. How may this shape behavior?
Option B : Sleep patterns change as we age. Select and examine a developmental phase (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age) and provide a description of the sleep patterns at the selected phase. How does your selected phase compare to those of other developmental phases? Your initial post must be at least 300 words and use a minimum of one scholarly source located in the Ashford University Library or on Google Scholar that is cited and referenced according to APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Paper For Above instruction
The human brain is a remarkably adaptable organ that undergoes significant changes throughout the lifespan, influencing various aspects of behavior, cognition, and emotions. Understanding these changes during different developmental phases is crucial to appreciating how individuals adapt and function across their lives. This discussion will examine the developmental phase of old age, focusing on the structural and functional changes in the brain and how these alterations influence behavior. Additionally, it will compare sleep patterns in old age to those in earlier life stages to highlight age-related changes in sleep architecture.
In old age, the brain experiences notable structural decline, characterized by reductions in brain volume, especially in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (Fjell & Walhovd, 2010). These changes are associated with decreased neuronal density, shrinkage of neural fibers, and loss of synapses. Functionally, these structural alterations contribute to cognitive decline, including memory impairments, decreased processing speed, and challenges with executive functions (Harada, Natelson Loving, & Triebel, 2013). The decline in neuroplasticity with age also hampers the brain's ability to recover from injury or adapt to new learning experiences, which may influence behavioral patterns like increased reliance on routine and decreased adaptability.
Behaviorally, these neurobiological changes manifest in reduced cognitive flexibility, slower reaction times, and difficulties with complex problem-solving tasks. Emotional regulation may also be impacted, with some older adults experiencing increased emotional stability, while others may show heightened vulnerability to depression or anxiety due to neurochemical changes. Furthermore, social behaviors might shift as cognitive capabilities evolve, potentially leading to withdrawal or increased dependence on caregivers.
Sleep patterns in old age further reflect neurobiological changes. Research indicates that older adults tend to experience decreased total sleep time, increased sleep fragmentation, and reduced proportions of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and deep sleep stages (Münch et al., 2020). These alterations can affect memory consolidation, mood regulation, and overall cognitive functioning. Compared to earlier life stages such as childhood or middle age, where sleep tends to be longer, more consolidated, and characterized by higher proportions of REM sleep, sleep in old age becomes more fragmented and less restorative. This shift can exacerbate cognitive decline and impact daily functioning, illustrating a close link between brain health and sleep quality during aging.
In conclusion, aging significantly impacts brain structure and function, leading to observable behavioral changes. These neurobiological shifts are accompanied by alterations in sleep patterns, which further influence cognitive health and emotional well-being. Recognizing these changes underscores the importance of promoting healthy aging through interventions aimed at maintaining brain health and optimizing sleep quality.
References
Fjell, A. M., & Walhovd, K. B. (2010). Structural brain aging: Spots, rings, and signs. Neuropsychology Review, 20(3), 319-340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-010-9137-3
Harada, C. N., Natelson Loving, R., & Triebel, K. L. (2013). Normal cognitive aging. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 29(4), 737-752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2013.07.002
Münch, M., Baumann, C., Riedel, D., et al. (2020). The impact of aging on sleep architecture and sleep quality. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 50, 101273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101273