Question 1

Color vision declines with age due to:

Accepted Answer

As we age, the lens of the eye becomes less transparent and appears more yellow, which can alter the perception of colors. This is known as age-related yellowing of the lens, or "lens aging."

Question 2

Identify the region of the human brain in which neurogenesis has been documented in adults.

Accepted Answer

The olfactory bulb is the region of the brain where neurogenesis has been documented in adults. This is the region responsible for our sense of smell and is located in the front part of the brain above the nasal cavity. Adult neurogenesis has not been observed in the amygdala, hypothalamus, or prefrontal cortex.

Question 3

Jace has been diagnosed with _____, a condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve due to buildup of fluid in the eye.

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma is the condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve due to buildup of fluid in the eye. Cataracts refer to clouding of the eye's lens, retinopathy refers to damage to the retina, and macular degeneration refers to deterioration of the central part of the retina.

Question 4

Lung capacity drops _____ between the ages of 20 and 80, even when disease is not present.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Lung capacity drops _____ between the ages...

Question 5

The _____ is involved in smell.

Accepted Answer

The olfactory bulb is responsible for processing smell information that is received from the nose. The hippocampus is involved in memory, the amygdala in emotion, and the prefrontal cortex in decision making and higher cognitive processes.

Question 6

Severe reductions in the production of dopamine have been linked with:

Accepted Answer

Severe reductions in the production of dopamine have been linked with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. As a result, there is a significant reduction in dopamine levels in the brain, leading to typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Question 7

Which of the following statements regarding smell and taste in the elderly is true?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that healthy older adults are not as likely to experience declines in their sense of smell and taste compared to those who are less healthy or have chronic health conditions. A decline in these senses can impact one's appetite and nutrition, so it is important to stay mindful of these changes as we age. Option A is false because most people experience some decline in these senses as they get older. Option B is false because research suggests that smell and taste decline more or less equally in older adults. Option D is false because research suggests that smell and taste become less sensitive as we age.

Question 8

According to the Nun Study, _____, a measure of linguistic ability assessed early in the adult years (age 22), was linked with higher brain weight, fewer incidences of mild cognitive impairment, and fewer characteristics of Alzheimer disease in 75- to 95-year-old nuns.

Accepted Answer

The Nun Study found that idea density, which refers to the richness of ideas expressed in written language, was associated with better cognitive health and brain characteristics in later life.

Question 9

Gisela is suffering from a condition that involves thickening of the lens of her eyes. This causes her vision to become cloudy or distorted. Identify the condition that Gisela is suffering from.

Accepted Answer

Gisela is suffering from cataracts, which is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes thickened, cloudy or distorted, leading to vision impairment.

Question 10

_____ are the most noticeable changes in physical appearance in late adulthood.

Accepted Answer

Wrinkles and age spots are the most noticeable changes in physical appearance in late adulthood. Loss of hair and brittle nails may also occur but are not as noticeable, while osteoporosis and reduction in height and weight may be more internal or gradual changes.

Question 11

Which of the following is observed in older adults?

Accepted Answer

As individuals age, their chest size decreases due to osteoporosis and other skeletal changes, which can result in a reduced lung capacity and decreased ability to breathe deeply. This can lead to increased risk of respiratory problems and illness.

Question 12

Which of the following is a region of the adult human brain where neurogenesis has been documented?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is a region of the brain where neurogenesis has been documented to occur in adult humans. The other regions listed (amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus) have not been conclusively shown to undergo neurogenesis in adult humans.

Question 13

_____ is a condition in which individuals may have relatively normal peripheral vision but be unable to see clearly what is right in front of them.

Accepted Answer

Macular degeneration is a condition in which individuals may have relatively normal peripheral vision but be unable to see clearly what is right in front of them. Glaucoma and cataracts can cause blindness or blurry vision, while retinal hardening is not a known medical condition.

Question 14

The _____ is involved in memory.

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is a region of the brain that is specifically involved in the formation and retrieval of memories. It plays a crucial role in the consolidation of new memories and the integration of these memories into existing networks of knowledge. The other options listed, while important for other aspects of brain function, are not specifically associated with memory processing.

Question 15

Cynthia is 91 years old. Her optic nerves have got damaged due to buildup of fluid in the eye. The doctor has told her that her condition can be treated with eye drops. The disease that has impaired Cynthia's vision is:

Accepted Answer

The buildup of fluid in the eye is a common symptom of glaucoma, which is a disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss. Eye drops are a common treatment for glaucoma. Cataracts involve clouding of the eye's natural lens, which is not related to fluid buildup, and can be treated with surgery. Retinopathy involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina and can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other factors. Macular degeneration involves loss of central vision and is often associated with age-related changes in the eye. However, neither of these conditions is typically treated with eye drops.

Question 16

The _____ refers to the primary neural receptor for hearing in the inner ear.

Accepted Answer

The cochlea is the primary neural receptor for hearing in the inner ear. It is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve. The ear drum (A) is part of the middle ear and helps to amplify sound waves. The semicircular canals (C) are responsible for detecting head movement and maintaining balance. The malleus (D) is one of the three small bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the ear drum to the inner ear.

Question 17

According to a study by Coleman that compared the brains of adults at various ages, from the forties through the seventies, the:

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to a study by Coleman that...

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT one of the three major diseases that can impair the vision of older adults?

Accepted Answer

Myopia is not one of the three major diseases that can impair the vision of older adults. The three major diseases are cataract, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Question 19

A recent national survey revealed that _____ of adults 70 years and older had a hearing loss defined as an inability to hear sounds at frequencies higher than 25 dB with their better ear.

Accepted Answer

According to the question, the survey revealed that adults 70 years and older had a hearing loss defined as an inability to hear sounds at frequencies higher than 25 dB with their better ear. The percentage mentioned in option D, which is 63 percent, is the closest to meeting this criteria. Therefore, option D is the best choice.

Question 20

The vision of older adults can be affected by age-related changes. One of these changes, which can make steps and curbs difficult to manage, is a decline in:

Accepted Answer

Depth perception is the ability to perceive objects in three dimensions and judge their distance from oneself. This ability is critical for safe orientation and mobility, especially when navigating steps or curbs. However, age-related changes such as a decrease in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field can impair depth perception, making it challenging for older adults to navigate their surroundings safely.

Quiz 15: Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood