(By Dr. Roberto Fernandez-Romero, a neurologist at University of Virginia Health System specializing in memory disorders and dementia) When we talk of getting older, the word “wiser” often finds its way into the conversation — and for good reason. Our experiences and exposure to a variety of people, places and things over a lifetime typically do make us more knowledgeable as we age. However, there are some cognitive functions that don’t always withstand the test of time. Reasoning, problem solving and response time all tend to decline as our brains age.