Nervous System Flashcards
Is following statement true or false? A person who is having memory difficulties is probably developing dementia.
It’s false. Some memory loss is normal with ageing. If the memory loss is starting to affect the person’s ability to function normally the person may be developing dementia. Dementia is associated with more than memory loss-it includes problems like loss of executive function.
What is the role of neural plasticity in the ageing nervous system?
Neural plasticity may help to decrease the effect of age-related changes in specific parts of the central nervous system. Because functional loss does not occur equally across the brain, less affected areas may take over the function of more severely affected areas.
Is the following statement true or false? Conductive hearing loss cannot be managed by the use of a hearing aid.
It’s false. Conductive hearing loss is caused by inadequate transmission of sound to the cochlear in the ears. If the sound can reach the years then the cochlear can transform it into action potentials to the brain. Hearing aids improve sound transmission to the cochlear. Sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage to the cochlear and can’t be managed using hearing aids.
Is the following statement true or false? Shifts in the circadian clock that mean that older people need less sleep than younger people.
It’s false. There is no difference in the amount of sleep required by older and younger people. The difference is that the circadian should clock shifts in older people so that they go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. This early awakening is sometimes mistaken for insomnia.
Is the following statement true or false? Multitasking decreases performance in memory related tasks.
It’s true. Multitasking decreases performance when people are trying to remember things. Allowing more time to focus on remembering where you put something is a useful strategy to cope with the normal memory loss that occurs as part of ageing.
Is the following statement true or false? Cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases are important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction.
It’s true. Cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease are both associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction.
Is following statement true or false? Age-related changes in the lens of the eye decrease the amount of light being transmitted to the retina.
It’s true. Age-related changes in the lens decrease the amount of light being transmitted to the retina. Changes in the shape of the cornea can affect the focusing of the image on the retina, and slowed central processing can affect vision. In other words& vision changes are commonly both peripheral (eye) and central (brain) in origin.
Is the following statement true or false? Poor hearing may be a risk factor for the development of dementia.
It’s true. Poor hearing can be a risk factor for dementia, and supporting people sensory function can be important strategy to delay its development.
Is the following statement true or false? Poor vision may be a risk factor for the development of dementia.
It’s true. Poor vision is another risk factor for dementia.
Is the following statement true or false? In the ageing nervous system the complexity of connections between neurones decreases.
It’s true. It’s generally believed that in the ageing nervous system the complexity of connections between neurones decreases. This results in decreased functional capacity in the central nervous system
Is the following statement true or false? Stress associated with adverse life events can increase the rate of cognitive ageing.
It’s true. Stress associated with adverse life events can increase the rate of cognitive ageing.
Is the following statement true or false? Changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease are found in the brains of people who are ageing normally.
It’s true. People with perfectly normal cognitive function have changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease present in their brain. The thing that differentiates Alzheimer’s disease from normal ageing is simply the extent of the changes.
Is the following statement true or false? Changes in the balance of neurotransmitters can have an important effect on cognitive function in older people.
It’s true. The complexity and function of the central nervous system is influenced by the balance between neurotransmitters. With ageing there is greater imbalance and therefore decreased function.
Is the following statement true or false? The rate of cognitive decline differs significantly from person to person.
Its true. Like all aspects of ageing the rate at which it occurs varies considerably from person to person. And remember that in one individual’s brain, different areas age at different rates.
Define what is meant by implicit memory.
Implicit memory is memory for things that are done without thinking - like remembering how to walk.
