Final answer:
Cognitive impairment is not a normal part of aging; cognition usually remains stable during early and middle adulthood, with potential decline in fluid intelligence appearing in later years. Mental and physical activity can delay cognitive decline, distinguishing normal aging from more serious conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that impairment of cognition is not a normal part of aging is true. Cognitive abilities generally remain steady throughout early and middle adulthood. Crystallized intelligence, or the knowledge and skills acquired over a lifetime, may even improve with age. It is not until later adulthood that a measurable decline in fluid intelligence, which includes processing abilities and memory, may be observed. However, this decline is not synonymous with impairment, as the term generally refers to an abnormal level of function. A decline in cognitive abilities, significant enough to interfere with daily functions, is known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is considered an intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline due to normal aging and the more serious decline of dementia. With that said, the majority of aging individuals do not experience cognitive impairment as a normal part of aging.
Engaging in both mental and physical activities can help delay the onset of cognitive decline. It is important to distinguish between normal age-related changes and the more serious decline that can lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Effective strategies for potentially mitigating cognitive impairment include cognitive rehabilitation and a lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and mental stimulating activities to preserve cognitive function.