I find myself becoming more passionate with age, swept into a sea of emotions during certain movie scenes, and even crying during my favorite rock songs as the lyrics and melody crescendo and become one.

The brain’s ability to adapt and change over time, known as neuroplasticity, means that our emotional responses can evolve based on the kinds of experiences and stimuli we are exposed to over the years. It is not uncommon for people to experience heightened emotions as they age, and several factors have been shown to contribute to this phenomenon.

Life experiences play a significant role, as accumulating a wealth of experiences can make us more empathetic and attuned to the emotional content in movies, music, and other forms of art. These experiences can make certain scenes or songs resonate more deeply with us, especially when listening to artists performing during their “farewell” tours.

Hormonal changes that come with aging can also affect emotional regulation. For instance, changes in levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone can influence mood and emotional responses. I even asked my primary care physician to check my testosterone level (it was normal).

Psychological growth often accompanies aging, leading to a greater understanding of oneself and one’s emotions. This growth can result in a deeper appreciation for the emotional subtleties in art and life.

Cognitive changes that occur with aging can affect how we process and respond to emotional stimuli. Older adults might prioritize positive emotional experiences and be more affected by emotionally charged content.

Shifts in social roles and relationships, such as becoming a grandparent, retiring, or experiencing the loss of loved ones, can also impact emotional responses, contributing to a heightened emotional state.

My emotional outbursts are few and far between, and they usually occur when I am alone. They do not cause me distress or interfere with my daily life. I am not concerned by them, but occasionally my children become alarmed by my unexpected display of affect when I am in their presence – for example, watching a movie. I reassure them that these are “happy” tears, a normal part of my heightened emotional status acquired with age, like a good bottle of wine that becomes richer and more complex over time, revealing unexpected and nuanced flavors that were not there in its youth.

I don’t intend to make my children feel uncomfortable or think that their dad is “off his rocker.” Still, several of them are health care professionals, and they are aware of a condition called “pseudobulbar affect.”

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological condition that presents with sudden, uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing, which at first blush might explain my emotional reactions. The difference is that individuals with PBA experience involuntary episodes of crying, laughing, or other emotional displays that don’t match the context. These episodes can occur spontaneously and may not reflect the person’s actual feelings.

For example, imagine a person attending a funeral or a serious meeting where the atmosphere is somber and respectful. Suddenly, they burst into uncontrollable laughter. Despite understanding the gravity of the situation and feeling the appropriate emotions of sadness or solemnity, they are unable to control their laughter. This reaction is not aligned with the expected emotional response to the context.

Consider a scenario where someone is at a celebratory event, such as a wedding or a birthday party, where everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. In the midst of the celebration, the person begins to cry uncontrollably. Even though they are not feeling sad or distressed, the tears flow without their control. This incongruous emotional display can be confusing and distressing for both the individual and those around them.

PBA is often linked to conditions or injuries that impact the brain. It can be associated with stroke, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, among others. A thorough neurological examination is important to assess any of these underlying conditions and to rule out depression as a possible cause of symptoms.

While there is no cure for PBA, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms. Medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. These may include certain antidepressants and a combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine. Behavioral strategies, such as distraction methods or breathing exercises, can also be helpful in managing episodes.

For those with PBA, open communication with family members and caregivers is crucial. Educating loved ones about the condition can help them understand and respond appropriately to the episodes. Caregivers play an important role in their loved one’s care team and are in a special position to help make an impact.

Every spring, I try to gather our family to watch The Field of Dreams, one of the greatest father-and-son bonding movies. Without fail, I wail at the end when Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) asks his dad if he wants to have a catch. At first, my wife and daughters were astonished by my reaction; now, after a half-dozen or so family viewings, they are accustomed to it. I can see them nudging each other on the sofa as if to say: “Wait for it. Here it comes. Dad’s going to ball again!”

If you are concerned that your emotional responses might be related to PBA, it would be wise to consult with a health care professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and determine if further investigation or treatment is needed. This approach can help ensure that your emotional expressions are indeed a normal part of aging and not indicative of PBA or another neurological condition.

Also, if you are a father and happen to watch The Field of Dreams with your adult son, notice his reaction to the final scene as he, too, unabashedly wipes away his tears.

Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is the author of several books on narrative medicine, including Medicine on Fire: A Narrative Travelogue and Narrative Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Storytelling through Essays.