Question 1

Generalizing from the text, when family members want to convince an elderly loved one to give up driving:

Accepted Answer

The text mentions that giving up driving can be difficult for elderly loved ones because they do not want to lose their independence. There is no indication that most older people are afraid to drive or that relying on vision tests or ride-sharing services make convincing them to stop driving any easier.

Question 2

Ms. Clark has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. When scientists examine her brain, they will mainly find:

Accepted Answer

Vascular dementia is caused by small strokes in the brain that damage blood vessels and lead to cognitive decline. It is not associated with senile plaques, amyloid, or neurofibrillary tangles, which are more commonly found in Alzheimer's disease.

Question 3

Which are the defining characteristics of (1) vascular dementia and (2) Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Vascular dementia is characterized by small strokes or changes in the brain's blood supply, while Alzheimer's disease is marked by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.

Question 4

The following is NOT an early symptom of dementia:

Accepted Answer

Forgetting to swallow while eating is not an early symptom of dementia. It could be a sign of a swallowing disorder or another medical condition, but it is not directly related to cognitive decline. Executive function deficits, problems with semantic memory, and forgetting basic facts are all commonly associated with dementia.

Question 5

If someone has the APOE-4 marker, this person:

Accepted Answer

Having the APOE-4 marker means that the person is at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but it does not guarantee that they will definitely get the disease. Other factors, such as lifestyle and environment, also play a role in the development of Alzheimer's.

Question 6

Ms. Airy is an architect who specializes in elderly housing. Which of the following design features should she AVOID?

Accepted Answer

Ms. Airy should avoid fluorescent lighting or skylights as they can cause glare and visual discomfort for older adults. Instead, she should opt for softer, warmer lighting options such as incandescent or LED lights.

Question 7

Dementia:

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a broad label for any illness that causes serious, progressive, often permanent cognitive loss. It can be caused by various underlying conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke, among other neurological problems. It is not limited to memory problems in older adults.

Question 8

According to the text, vehicle consoles featuring state-of-the art dashboard devices:

Accepted Answer

The text states that these consoles "can be helpful but also may be distracting," indicating that they have both positive and negative effects. It does not mention any specific benefit for older adults or impairment to driving, but suggests that the use of these devices is complex and could potentially impact driving abilities.

Question 9

Grandma Rosa has just been diagnosed with early-stage dementia. On average, her family can expect her to survive for another:

Accepted Answer

According to Alzheimer's Association, people with early-stage dementia can survive for an average of 4 to 10 years after their diagnosis. However, this can vary greatly depending on the individual's age, overall health, and other factors. Therefore, choice C is the most accurate answer.

Question 10

Mr. Yeo, age 60, has early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Generalizing from the text, if scientists examine his brain, they are LEAST likely to find:

Accepted Answer

The text mentions that Mr. Yeo has early-onset Alzheimer's disease, which is typically not associated with small strokes (also known as vascular dementia). Therefore, scientists are least likely to find evidence of small strokes in his brain. On the other hand, neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, and amyloid are all pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and may be present in Mr. Yeo's brain.

Question 11

Kalinda, in her early sixties, is worried about getting Alzheimer's disease. After reading the text, what can her daughter say to Kalinda?

Accepted Answer

According to the text, the risk of Alzheimer's disease at Kalinda's age (early sixties) is minimal. Therefore, choice A is the best option. Choice B is incorrect because Alzheimer's disease is not rare, and choice C is incorrect because one in four people over age 60 does not have this disease. Choice D is also incorrect because this condition does not strike most people in their early sixties and seventies.

Question 12

The following person is NOT at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease:

Accepted Answer

Smoking may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but it does not guarantee that a person will develop the disease. The other three factors mentioned are all known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Question 13

Based on the text, which is the MOST sensible policy to reduce the risk of old-age driving?

Accepted Answer

Redesigning roads to account for sensory and motor losses is the most sensible policy to reduce the risk of old-age driving because it addresses the underlying causes of the problem, rather than simply restricting or punishing older drivers.

Question 14

Which skill is LEAST important in driving?

Accepted Answer

While empathy is important in many aspects of life, it is not a necessary skill for driving. The ability to hear and see well, as well as having fast reaction times, are all crucial for safe driving.

Question 15

Fred is 82. He refuses to stop driving because "Giving up my wheels would mean I couldn't take care of myself anymore. I would have to go into a home or depend on my children to take me everywhere." Based on this chapter, Fred's response is:

Accepted Answer

Fred's response is normal in the sense that many older adults fear losing their independence and mobility. However, it is also dangerous because Fred's age may impair his driving abilities, which could result in accidents. While Fred's concerns about being a burden on his family are valid, it is important for him to prioritize safety on the road.

Question 16

Daquan, age 76, has been sent by his wife to the grocery store. An hour later, he is wandering around the store, wondering why he is there. Then, Daquan realizes he is not sure of the name of his town. Daquan is showing:

Accepted Answer

Daquan's confusion and difficulty remembering important information suggest he may be experiencing early symptoms of dementia. This is not normal age-related forgetfulness, as it is interfering with his daily functioning. While it is possible that his symptoms are due to a stroke, more information is needed to make that determination. Similarly, advanced Alzheimer's disease would likely involve more severe and persistent symptoms than what Daquan is currently experiencing.

Question 17

Which is a symptom SPECIFICALLY of late-stage dementia?

Accepted Answer

Being unable to speak is a symptom specifically associated with late-stage dementia, as it indicates the individual has lost most or all of their ability to communicate verbally. In earlier stages, individuals may still be able to speak, albeit with difficulty or confusion.

Question 18

Considering accidents per miles driven, the MOST dangerous drivers are _____.

Accepted Answer

According to various studies and statistics, people over the age of 75 have the highest rate of accidents per mile driven, making them the most dangerous drivers. Teenagers and midlife adults also have higher accident rates compared to other age groups, but not as high as those over 75. Women, on the other hand, actually have lower accident rates per mile driven than men.

Question 19

Dementia most often strikes:

Accepted Answer

Dementia most often strikes people in their mid-eighties and beyond. While it can occur in people in their late sixties, the risk of developing dementia increases significantly with age. Additionally, dementia is not solely caused by a lack of self-care or healthy habits, although these factors can contribute to an increased risk.

Question 20

One underlying message of the later-life driving discussion is that:

Accepted Answer

The article discusses that many older drivers who may have physical or cognitive impairments are still driving, indicating that we need to do more to identify and intervene with at-risk drivers. The other answer choices are not supported by the article.

Quiz 14: The Physical Challenges of Aging