Nerve cells in the adult brain gradually die over the years. What is the result?
a) It means that significant memory loss in old age is inevitable.
b) For most individuals, this doesn't mean much because people continue to learn, as they grow older.
c) Over time-and with proper diet, physical exercise and mental stimulation-the brain replenishes the nerve cells it loses.
It is true that nerve cell loss begins by about age 2 and progresses throughout life. But normal nerve cell loss is not believed to have a significant effect on overall performance because people continue to learn as they age. Excessive nerve loss associated with illness can cause problems.