Final answer:
The false statement regarding neuron change during the first years of life is that the myelin sheath provides insulation to dendrites; it actually insulates axons to facilitate signal transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is FALSE regarding neuron change during the first years of life is that 'myelin sheath provides an insulating layer to the dendrites.' Myelin sheath actually insulates axons, not dendrites, to increase the speed at which signals can travel along the axon of the neuron. During early life and development, the neural connections in the brain increase dramatically, which is a process known as synaptogenesis. This involves the formation of synapses between the axon terminals of one neuron and the dendritic spines of another.
Neural development is also characterized by the increase in the number of dendritic branches and spines, allowing for more synaptic connections and a denser network of neural pathways. Contrary to the increase in connections, there's no evidence to support the statement that myelin sheath insulates dendrites, since its primary function is associated with axons. Therefore, this statement is misleading within the context of neuron change during the first years of life.