Question 1

The fourth age is also characterized as:
A) young-young.
B) young-old.
C) old-young.
D) oldest-old.

Accepted Answer

The fourth age is characterized as "oldest-old," typically referring to individuals who are 85 years and older.

Question 2

When viewed through a microscope, a ____ would most resemble a spiral-shaped mass.
A) telomere
B) free radical
C) neurofibrillary tangle
D) neurotransmitter

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles, associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, are characterized by their twisted, spiral-shaped appearance under a microscope.

Question 3

When one sees a book titled How Neurons Communicate with Each Other , one can be sure it will discuss:
A) dendrites.
B) working memory.
C) internal aids.
D) cerebral vascular accidents.

Accepted Answer

Dendrites are a key component of neurons involved in the process of communication between neurons, as they receive signals from other neurons.

Question 4

____ are chemicals produced during normal cell metabolism that may cause cellular damage that impairs functioning.
A) Neurofibrillary tangles
B) Neuritic plaques
C) Transient ischemic attacks
D) Free radicals

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are chemicals produced during normal cell metabolism that can cause cellular damage, potentially impairing cell function. They are known to play a role in aging and various diseases.

Question 5

In explaining why people age and eventually die, Dr. Filipovsky talks about "free radicals" and how their buildup produces tissue damage. Dr. Filipovsky is promoting a ____ theory of aging.
A) wear-and-tear
B) metabolic
C) cellular
D) programmed cell death

Accepted Answer

Dr. Filipovsky is promoting a cellular theory of aging, which suggests that the accumulation of damage from free radicals at the cellular level contributes to aging and eventual death.

Question 6

If the programmed cell theory of aging is correct:
A) people under stress should die sooner than those not under stress.
B) a low-fat diet should extend life.
C) the elimination of free radicals should greatly extend life.
D) humans are born with a "prewired death clock."

Accepted Answer

The programmed cell theory of aging suggests that aging is a result of an intrinsic biological clock or a programmed sequence of events. This theory implies that organisms, including humans, have a built-in mechanism or "prewired death clock" that determines their lifespan. This concept does not directly relate to external factors such as stress, diet, or the presence of free radicals, but rather suggests that the timing of aging and death is genetically programmed.

Question 7

Fifty-year-old Keith is informed by his doctor that his brain is showing signs of the initial development of neuritic plaques and a few neurofibrillary tangles. This is:
A) normal.
B) a definite indicator of Parkinson's disease.
C) a definite indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
D) a definite indicator of Huntington's disease.

Accepted Answer

Neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are common findings in the aging brain and do not definitively indicate Alzheimer's disease unless accompanied by clinical symptoms. These changes can be considered part of the normal aging process in many individuals.

Question 8

If a neuron becomes extremely tangled:
A) a person will develop Parkinson's disease.
B) information can no longer flow through the neuron.
C) electrochemical energy begins to flow from the axon to the dendrite instead of from the dendrite to the axon.
D) it will not significantly affect neural functioning, as such tangling is a sign of normal development.

Accepted Answer

When a neuron becomes extremely tangled, it disrupts the normal flow of information through the neuron, impairing its function.

Question 9

Which of these BEST describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?
A) They are the packets of fuel that feed each cell.
B) They are "glue" that binds together the base pairs of DNA molecules.
C) They are a portion of a chromosome that gets shorter until DNA replication is no longer possible.
D) They are the scrubber cells that clear all debris from our arteries.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the end of a chromosome that protect it from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Over time, as cells divide, telomeres shorten, which is associated with aging, until the cell can no longer divide (senescence). This process is thought to contribute to the aging of the body.

Question 10

If one's goal is to get the best image of a brain structure, one should use a:
A) single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT).
B) computerized tomography (CT scan).
C) positron emission tomography (PET).
D) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Accepted Answer

The answer of If one's goal is to get the...

Question 11

Which would MOST dramatically impact the levels of free radicals in one's body?
A) Consuming antioxidants like vitamin E
B) Getting an injection of telomerase
C) Contracting sickle-cell anemia
D) Engaging in aerobic exercise

Accepted Answer

Consuming antioxidants like vitamin E directly impacts the levels of free radicals in the body by neutralizing them, thus reducing oxidative stress and potential damage to cells.

Question 12

While looking at slides of brain tissue in a physiology class, a student sees groups of damaged neurons that have collected around a core of protein. What is the student looking at?
A) Neurotransmitters
B) Neuritic plaques
C) Neurofibrillary tangles
D) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Accepted Answer

Neuritic plaques are characterized by damaged neurons that have collected around a core of protein, often found in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

Question 13

Concerning brain imaging, MRI is to fMRI as ____ is to ____.
A) structure; function
B) internal; external
C) central nervous system; peripheral nervous system
D) explicit; implicit

Accepted Answer

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is primarily used for imaging the structure of the brain, whereas fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is used for mapping brain activity or function, showing changes related to blood flow.

Question 14

Wilbur has decided to increase his intake of antioxidants like vitamins A and E in order to lower the development of certain age-related diseases and to live longer. The most recent evidence in aging suggests that Wilbur will:
A) be less likely to develop certain age-related diseases and will live longer.
B) be less likely to develop certain age-related diseases, but will not live any longer.
C) live longer, but will not show any decrease in the susceptibility to age-related diseases.
D) neither be less likely to develop certain age-related diseases nor live longer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Wilbur has decided to increase his intake...

Question 15

The cellular theory of aging focuses on:
A) deterioration of cells over a lifetime.
B) the number of chromosomes in a cell.
C) the size of cells.
D) the sudden death of cells in one system

Accepted Answer

The cellular theory of aging posits that aging results from the gradual deterioration of cells over a lifetime, leading to the overall decline in bodily functions.

Question 16

One common characteristic of the fourth age is:
A) a high level of dementia.
B) a virtual absence of chronic stress.
C) establishment of one's career.
D) a great probability of major improvement on physical strength/flexibility.

Accepted Answer

The fourth age is often characterized by a higher prevalence of health issues, including a high level of dementia, as individuals in this age group are typically in the later stages of life where cognitive decline is more common.

Question 17

Mickey is currently experiencing "the third age." He could BEST be described as one of the:
A) young-old.
B) oldest-old.
C) old-young.
D) young-young.

Accepted Answer

The "third age" is a concept in the study of aging that refers to the period of life after retirement but before significant decline in physical and mental capabilities. This phase is often characterized by good health, financial stability, and the freedom to pursue personal interests and activities. Therefore, individuals in the third age are typically considered "young-old," which means they are older adults who are generally healthy, active, and independent.

Question 18

While doing an autopsy of a brain, Dr. Howard shakes her head , saying, "This is so very sad." When an assistant asks her what she sees, she says, "Two words ... deformed axons." What was the source of Dr. Howard's disgust?
A) Neuritic plaques
B) Neurotransmitters
C) Presbycusis
D) Neurofibrillary tangles

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles are associated with deformed axons and are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, which could elicit such a response from a medical professional during an autopsy.

Question 19

The third age is to the fourth age as ____ is to ____.
A) longevity; health
B) good news; bad news
C) chronic; acute
D) afterlife; life

Accepted Answer

The answer of The third age is to the fourth...

Question 20

Telomeres are found exclusively on:
A) the tips of chromosomes.
B) neurons.
C) cancer cells.
D) X and Y chromosomes.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences located at the ends of chromosomes, protecting them from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes. They are not exclusive to neurons, cancer cells, or specific chromosomes but are found on the tips of all chromosomes.

Quiz 14: The Personal Context of Later Life: Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues

The fourth age is also characterized as:

When viewed through a microscope, a ____ would most resemble a spiral-shaped mass.

When one sees a book titled How Neurons Communicate with Each Other , one can be sure it will discuss:

____ are chemicals produced during normal cell metabolism that may cause cellular damage that impairs functioning.

In explaining why people age and eventually die, Dr. Filipovsky talks about "free radicals" and how their buildup produces tissue damage. Dr. Filipovsky is promoting a ____ theory of aging.

If the programmed cell theory of aging is correct:

Fifty-year-old Keith is informed by his doctor that his brain is showing signs of the initial development of neuritic plaques and a few neurofibrillary tangles. This is:

If a neuron becomes extremely tangled:

Which of these BEST describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?

If one's goal is to get the best image of a brain structure, one should use a:

Which would MOST dramatically impact the levels of free radicals in one's body?

While looking at slides of brain tissue in a physiology class, a student sees groups of damaged neurons that have collected around a core of protein. What is the student looking at?

Concerning brain imaging, MRI is to fMRI as is to .

Wilbur has decided to increase his intake of antioxidants like vitamins A and E in order to lower the development of certain age-related diseases and to live longer. The most recent evidence in aging suggests that Wilbur will:

The cellular theory of aging focuses on:

One common characteristic of the fourth age is:

Mickey is currently experiencing "the third age." He could BEST be described as one of the:

While doing an autopsy of a brain, Dr. Howard shakes her head , saying, "This is so very sad." When an assistant asks her what she sees, she says, "Two words ... deformed axons." What was the source of Dr. Howard's disgust?

The third age is to the fourth age as is to .

Telomeres are found exclusively on: