which statement explains the typical pattern of cognitive functioning in middle adulthood? group of answer choices most individuals demonstrate decrements in verbal skills such as vocabulary, and tasks such as working a crossword puzzle or giving instructions become difficult. most individuals begin to experience decrements in problem-solving abilities, and tasks such as adjusting ingredients in a recipe or learning new computer software become difficult. individuals may maintain or even gain in skill on tasks that are highly practiced or based on specific learning, such as playing a card game. mental processes steadily and significantly decline across middle adulthood, and most individuals perceive an accelerated loss of mental acuity.