Here's why:
* Neuron loss: As we age, the number of neurons in the brain declines, impacting various cognitive functions.
* Synaptic loss: The connections between neurons, known as synapses, also weaken and decrease in number.
* Reduced blood flow: Blood flow to the brain reduces with age, leading to lower oxygen and nutrient supply.
* Accumulation of plaques and tangles: These are abnormal protein deposits that build up in the brain, particularly in Alzheimer's disease.
* Changes in neurotransmitters: The production and signaling of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers, can be affected.
While other organs also undergo age-related changes, the brain's complexity and vital role in our physical and mental well-being make its degeneration particularly significant.
