Final answer:
In the normal aging process of the brain, it is expected to see fewer neurons and dendrites due to neurodegeneration. Therefore, a 72-year-old's brain, like Faye's, would likely show fewer neurons and dendrites compared to that of a 50-year-old, indicating option B is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing brain scans of a 72-year-old individual, like Faye, to a 50-year-old, it is normal to expect differences due to the aging process. Research shows that aging leads to neurodegeneration, which includes the loss of neurons and the connections between them—such as dendrites.
As individuals age, both the number of neurons and the number of dendrites generally decrease, reflecting the degenerative changes that occur in the brain over time.
This is seen in various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, where significant neuron and dendrite loss is observed, especially in areas like the hippocampus and ventricles. Therefore, when considering the normal aging process in comparison to a younger brain, the expected finding would be fewer neurons and dendrites in the older brain, consistent with option B.