Kirrily - Nervous System Questions

Question 1

List the three types of changes that occur in the nervous system.

Answer 1

1. structural changes involving the numbers of cells and synapses - the synapse is the site at which the communication occurs;
2. chemical changes involving changes in the neurotransmitters - neurotransmitters are chemicals that enable neurons to communicate with other neurons and with muscles
3. functional changes involving the way in which nervous system function impacts on the individual.

Question 2

Cell loss in the ________ occurs at a faster rate than cell loss in many other areas.

Answer 2

cerebellum

Question 3

What are the wear and tear changes to the brain?

Answer 3

accumulation of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles – accumulations of chemicals that affect neuronal function

Question 4

True or false? The structural changes associated with disease are not seen in healthy people.

Answer 4

False. The difference in structural changes found between normal ageing and disease is often simply a matter of degree.

Question 5

Why do people with cardiovascular disease often develop dementia?

Answer 5

Many people with cardiovascular disease develop dementia as a result of changes in the arteries supplying the brain.

Question 6

True or false? Receptor problems are much easier to treat with drugs than hormone problems. Give a reason for your answer.

Answer 6

False.

Question 7

Which mental function improves with age?

Answer 7

Wisdom and some decision making. Also better general knowledge.

Question 8

Which type of memory is most sensitive to ageing? Describe this type of ageing.

Answer 8

Episodic memory - personal experiences which are related to specific times and places. Episodic memory captures the “what,” “where,” and “when” of our daily lives.

Question 9

Which diseases are associated with memory loss?

Answer 9

• Anxiety
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Infections
• Medication side effects
• Poor nutrition
• Psychological stress
• Substance abuse
• Thyroid imbalance

Question 10

Explain why sensorineural hearing loss is not easily treatable.

Answer 10

It is damage to the structures of the inner ear, or to the pathways that connect the ear with the brain. The damage occurs over time. Atherosclerosis may contribute to the problem and it is common to find severe hearing loss in people with high cholesterol levels

Question 11

Explain how perception of sound changes as hearing loss progresses.

Answer 11

• perception of high frequency sounds is lost and then loss extends to lower frequencies
• Vowels tend to be heard better than consonants because vowels generally have a lower pitch, but eventually is it hard to hear vowels too.
• Another factor that affects the ability of the aged to interpret speech is the loss of the ability to mask background noise