Which age-related change can affect a patient's reliability in self-assessment?

Cognitive decline is a significant factor that can affect a patient's reliability in self-assessment as individuals age. As cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities decline, older adults may have difficulty accurately assessing their own health status, abilities, or needs. They might underestimate or overestimate their limitations, leading to a lack of awareness regarding their conditions. This decline can result from various age-related changes in the brain, which can influence the patient’s ability to process and understand information effectively.

In contrast, the other options suggest improvements or enhancements in certain areas—such as perception or emotional resilience—that typically do not detract from self-assessment reliability. Increased sensory perception or greater emotional resilience may improve how individuals experience and manage their health but do not address the cognitive aspects crucial for accurate self-assessment. Therefore, cognitive decline stands out as the primary age-related change influencing the reliability of a patient's self-evaluation.