Final answer:
Cognitive decline in aging relates to a reduction in neurotransmitter production and processing speed. Physical and mental activities can mitigate cognitive decline, with regular exercise shown to enhance cognitive functioning in older adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cognitive studies and their neurological explanations for a decline in intelligence with aging can be associated with several neurobiological factors. Option a) Reduction in neurotransmitter production; decline in processing speed is supported by research indicating that various neurological changes contribute to cognitive decline. For instance, a decrease in the activity of cholinergic neurons and the production of neurotransmitters can impact cognitive functions such as memory and processing speed. As people age, there is often a decline in fluid intelligence, including processes like information processing abilities, reasoning, and memory, which can become slower over time. Additionally, degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease can exacerbate these declines due to factors such as brain plaques and cell death.
However, research also suggests that cognitive decline can be mitigated through lifestyle choices. Engaging in mentally and physically stimulating activities has been found to reduce the incidence of cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. Regular physical exercise, for example, has been shown to enhance cognitive function in older adults and may offer protective benefits against neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches like cognitive rehabilitation and virtual reality technology may offer additional benefits for those experiencing cognitive disruptions.