Question

which of the following would not be an example of a structural or functional change associated with aging?
loss of secondary memory recall as a function of aging
an increase in brain blood flow due to a weakening of the blood - brain barrier as a function of aging
a loss of synaptic connections due to a decrease in neurotransmitter production
a decrease in the volume of the cerebral cortex, with the subarachnoid space becoming larger

Explanation:

• Loss of secondary memory recall: Memory decline is a common aging - related functional change.
• Loss of synaptic connections: Reduced neurotransmitter production and subsequent synaptic loss are associated with aging.
• Decrease in cerebral cortex volume: Structural changes like this (with subarachnoid space enlargement) are typical in aging.
• Increase in brain blood flow due to blood - brain barrier weakening: The blood - brain barrier actually becomes less permeable (not more, which would cause increased blood flow in this incorrect claim) with aging as a protective mechanism against toxins and pathogens.

Answer:

an increase in brain blood flow due to a weakening of the blood - brain barrier as a function of aging