Aging and the nervous system

Question 1

Damage to DNA causing phenotypic changes in aging due to radiation is explained by which theory of aging?

A. Error Catastrophic Theory
B. Somatic Mutation Theory
C. Antagonistic Pleitropy
D. Free Radical Theory

Answer 1

B

Question 2

The following are features of normal aging EXCEPT

A. Decline in the ability to learn new information
B. Decreased performance on timed tasks
C. Impaired semantic memory
D. Decreased efficiency in performing complex tasks

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter in the CNS is found to be decreased in aging and associated with significant clinical signs and symptoms in the aged?

A. GABA
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. Glutamate

Answer 3

B

Question 4

An apparently 80 year old male consulted you for general check up. Neurologic examination in this patient would most likely reveal a decreased which tendon reflex?

A. Jaw reflex
B. Brachioradialis
C. Triceps
D. AOTA

Answer 4

D

Question 5

In your routine neurologic examination, you find that a 75 year old woman could not identify the smell of coffee. What would be your conclusion?

A. The inability to smell coffee is due to diminished sensitivity of the olfactory epithelium with aging

B. The olfactory bulb could have been impaired due to a history of trauma to the frontal bone

C. The patient may have some form of memory impairment

D. Any of the above

Answer 5

D