Question 1

What do autopsies performed on the brains of deceased persons both with and without Alzheimer's disease show regarding amyloid plaques?

Accepted Answer

Autopsies performed on the brains of both deceased persons with and without Alzheimer's disease show that amyloid plaques accumulate in aging brains over time, regardless of whether symptoms of neurocognitive disorder are apparent. However, amyloid plaques accumulate to a much greater degree in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

Question 2

Compared to most disorders,what is so unusual about Huntington's disease?

Accepted Answer

Huntington's disease is caused by a mutation in a single gene, called the huntingtin gene, which makes it unique compared to most other disorders that have multiple genes and environmental factors contributing to their development.

Question 3

The disorder that causes a form of neurocognitive disorder called "bovine spongiform encephalopathy" (BSE)or "mad cow disease" is a variant of a specific illness.What is the illness?

Accepted Answer

BSE or mad cow disease is caused by prion proteins, which are abnormal versions of normal brain proteins. The variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans is believed to be caused by consuming beef from cows infected with BSE. The other options, Pick's disease, Huntington's disease and neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease, do not have a known connection to BSE or prion proteins.

Question 4

How is recent research regarding the biological processes and genetic factors associated with neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease best viewed?

Accepted Answer

While recent research has provided some promising insights into the biological processes and genetic factors associated with Alzheimer's disease, these findings are still considered preliminary and require further study. Therefore, option B is the best choice. Option A is not the best choice as recent research is only a small part of the extensive research that has already been done in the field. Option C is incorrect because recent research has the potential to be very useful in predicting and treating neurocognitive disorder. Option D is incorrect, as recent research has already produced hypotheses that have been tested to some degree.

Question 5

Only some patients go on to develop neurocognitive disorder after being diagnosed with which of the following diseases?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Only some patients go on to develop...

Question 6

What is the status regarding gene testing for neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

There are currently some tests available to the public for screening for the early-onset and late-onset forms of Alzheimer's disease. While there are many genes involved, there are specific known genes that have been linked to the development of the disease that can be tested for. However, it is important to note that genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease is not a definitive diagnosis and should be done in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, such as cognitive assessments and imaging tests.

Question 7

One theory about the development of neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease suggests that the formation of solid waxy proteins in the brain causes the disorder.Which of the following is this process similar to?

Accepted Answer

Just like cholesterol buildup in blood vessels causing cardiovascular disease, the formation of solid waxy proteins in the brain can cause Alzheimer's disease. Both processes involve the accumulation of harmful substances that disrupt normal physiological function.

Question 8

The symptoms of neurocognitive disorder associated with substance dependence are similar to the symptoms observed in a specific illness.What is the illness?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of neurocognitive disorder associated with substance dependence are similar to the symptoms observed in neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease. Both conditions exhibit impairments in memory, attention, and executive functioning.

Question 9

According to genetic research,how is neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease caused?

Accepted Answer

There are many forms of neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease and each form may have somewhat different features and different genetic influences. While there is evidence of certain genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, the exact genetic causes of the different forms of neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease have not yet been fully understood.

Question 10

Which chromosome was first linked to the onset of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome 21 was the first chromosome linked to the onset of Alzheimer's disease, specifically the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene located on chromosome 21. Overproduction or mutations in this protein can lead to an accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Question 11

On the basis of research findings,what do most scientists now conclude about the relationship between aluminum and neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Most scientists now conclude that if there is any relationship between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease, it is very weak. Research has not consistently shown a strong link between typical environmental levels of aluminum and the development of Alzheimer's.

Question 12

What is the best way to think about the psychological and social influences involved in neurocognitive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the psychological and social influences can help determine the onset and course of neurocognitive disorders. While cultural influences may play a role, it is important to recognize that these factors are not direct causes of the disorder. Additionally, psychological and social influences can have a significant impact on the individual's experience and quality of life.

Question 13

How are the neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques associated with neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease observed?

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques can only be observed through brain autopsies, where brain tissue can be examined under a microscope.

Question 14

What disorder is associated with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques?

Accepted Answer

The formation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques is a hallmark of neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease. Pick's disease is associated with the degeneration of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes. Huntington's disease is associated with the degeneration of nerve cells in the basal ganglia. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is associated with the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain.

Question 15

It is thought that similar genes are involved in Alzheimer's disease and another illness.What is the other illness?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease due to the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, which carries the APP gene involved in Alzheimer's.

Question 16

Which of the following is more likely to be caused by neurocognitive disorder due to HIV than neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Severe depression is more likely to be associated with neurocognitive disorder due to HIV than with Alzheimer's disease. HIV affects the brain and can lead to mood changes and depression, whereas Alzheimer's primarily affects memory and cognitive functions.

Question 17

How are the amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients best described?

Accepted Answer

Amyloid plaques are composed of sticky accumulations of protein fragments called beta-amyloid.

Question 18

Which of the following disorders begins with involuntary movements referred to as "chorea"?

Accepted Answer

Huntington's disease is characterized by chorea, which is involuntary and jerky movements of the limbs, face, and trunk. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Monger-Rolland syndrome do not typically present with chorea as a symptom.

Question 19

Based on known facts about the genetic influences on Alzheimer's disease,it appears that there may be several genetic causes,which may influence the course and age of onset for the disorder.For example,genetic research has found an association between chromosome 14 and chromosome 19 and specific types of Alzheimer's disease.What are these types,respectively?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome 14 is associated with early onset Alzheimer's disease, while chromosome 19 is associated with late onset Alzheimer's disease.

Question 20

The symptoms of neurocognitive disorder associated with substance dependence are generally caused by the prolonged drug use itself,especially in combination with another factor.What is the other factor?

Accepted Answer

Poor diet, when combined with prolonged drug use, can exacerbate the symptoms of neurocognitive disorder associated with substance dependence. This is because both poor nutrition and substance abuse can independently harm the brain, and together they can compound the damage, leading to more severe cognitive impairments.

Quiz 15: Neurocognitive Disorders