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Shrinkage of the prefrontal cortex is a natural result of aging that can cause which of the following conditions?

a) Improved decision-making
b) Enhanced emotional regulation
c) Impaired impulse control
d) Increased working memory

User Teemoo
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Final answer:

The natural shrinkage of the prefrontal cortex due to aging can cause impaired impulse control, as the prefrontal cortex is critical for executive functions including judgment, reasoning, and self-regulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Shrinkage of the prefrontal cortex is a natural result of aging that can lead to various conditions, most notably impacting an individual's executive functions. Considering the functions of the prefrontal cortex include planning, judgment, reasoning, and working memory, natural age-related decline oftentimes affects the capability to control impulses among other executive tasks.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question of what condition can result from the shrinkage of the prefrontal cortex is c) Impaired impulse control. This is because the prefrontal cortex is associated with functions such as judgment, reasoning, and impulse control. Shrinkage of this area over time can lead to difficulty in controlling one's impulses, as well as other cognitive and personality changes.

It's worth noting that shrinkage and damage to the prefrontal cortex have been studied in cases like that of Phineas Gage and through the outdated practice of prefrontal lobectomy, which further underlines the critical role this part of the brain plays in personality and behavior.

User Dherman
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