cognition and the older person

Question 1

Which part of the brain is responsible for advanced thought processes?

Hypothalamus

Cerebral cortex

Reticular activating system

Basal ganglia

Amygdala

Answer 1

Cerebral cortex

Question 2

Which of the following structures are most likely seen in the neurons of the person with Alzheimer’s disease?

Lewy bodies and beta-amyloid plaques

Lewy bodies only

Neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid plaques

Carotid and aortic bodies

Lewy bodies and neurofibrillary tangles

Answer 2

Neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid plaques

Question 3

Why is it that a person who has Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21) is more likely to show symptoms of dementia as they age?

Because the Tau protein mis-folds creating neurofibrillary tangles.

Because the e4 allele on apolipoprotein E (APOEe4) increases the risk for a person with Down’s syndrome.

Because the presenilin-1 (PSEN-1) protein is coded via chromosome 14.

Because the presenilin-2 (PSEN-2) protein involved is coded via chromosome 1.

Because the amyloid precursor protein (APP) protein is coded via chromosome 21.

Answer 3

Because the amyloid precursor protein (APP) protein is coded via chromosome 21.

Question 4

Ms Ethel Smith is 74 years old and has been bought into hospital having been found wandering in the street. She has been diagnosed with dementia.

Mrs Smith’s memory has been affected. What changes in the brain are thought to cause this change in higher mental function?

An increase in consciousness.

Mrs Smith’s intracranial pressure is falling.

Degeneration of the neurones connecting the frontal cortex to the hippocampus.

An increase in the production of cerebrospinal fluid from the choroid plexus.

Development of lewy bodies in the neurones of the basal ganglia.

Answer 4

Degeneration of the neurones connecting the frontal cortex to the hippocampus.

Question 5

Mrs Smith may need to be given medication. Which of the following statements regarding pharmacokinetics in the older person is true?

Adipose tissue is reduced.

Renal function is reduced.

GI transit time is reduced

Plasma albumin levels are increased.

Hepatic function is increased.

Answer 5

Renal function is reduced.