Question 1

Delirium typically has a slow onset.

Accepted Answer

Delirium typically has a rapid onset, usually within hours or days.

Question 2

Speaking a second language reduces the risk of developing dementia.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that being bilingual or multilingual can delay the onset of dementia and cognitive decline. This is because the brain's ability to switch between languages and constantly exercise cognitive functions helps maintain cognitive reserve and protect against the effects of aging on the brain.

Question 3

Treating the underlying medical problem can resolve delirium.

Accepted Answer

Delirium is often caused by an underlying medical condition such as infection, dehydration, or medication side effects. Treating the underlying problem can often resolve the delirium.

Question 4

"Super agers" tend to develop Alzheimer's disease at the same frequency as other adults.

Accepted Answer

Super agers, who are individuals over the age of 80 who have cognitive abilities comparable to those in middle-aged adults, have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to their peers. However, they are not completely immune to the disease and can still develop it at a similar frequency as other adults. Studies have shown that approximately 20-30% of super agers may develop Alzheimer's disease.

Question 5

The preferred term for dementia is neurocognitive disorder.

Accepted Answer

This is correct. The term "neurocognitive disorder" is now preferred over "dementia" because it reflects the fact that the condition affects both cognition and neurological function.

Question 6

Medications (e.g., Aricept, Cognex) can reverse the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

Accepted Answer

Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease and no medication that can reverse its effects. However, certain medications can help alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Aricept and Cognex are two such medications commonly used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, but they do not reverse the progress of the disease.

Question 7

People tend to become more alike as they get older.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that individual differences in personality, interests, and values actually tend to become more pronounced with age, as people grow and evolve based on their unique life experiences.

Question 8

Seniors currently make up about 15% of Canada's population.

Accepted Answer

According to Statistics Canada, in 2020, seniors (aged 65 and over) made up approximately 18% of Canada's population.

Question 9

Seniors may experience a form of "double jeopardy" in that they face stigmas for being mentally ill and physically ill.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Seniors may experience a form of "double...

Question 10

People over the age of 65 are too old to have sex.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. People over the age of 65 can still have and enjoy sex if they are physically and mentally able to do so. Age should not be a barrier to sexual activity.

Question 11

Frontal-subcortical dementias affect memory and motor function.

Accepted Answer

Frontal-subcortical dementias, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, can affect both memory and motor function.

Question 12

Dementias, other than Alzheimer's disease, tend to have acute onset.

Accepted Answer

Dementias other than Alzheimer's disease can have a gradual onset, as well as acute onset. The type of onset and rate of progression can vary depending on the underlying cause of the dementia.

Question 13

Selective mortality refers to people dropping out of studies because they die.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Selective mortality refers to people dropping out...

Question 14

Cross-sectional studies do not allow us to make statements about age changes over time.

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional studies analyze data from a population at a specific point in time, making it impossible to observe changes over time.

Question 15

Diagnostic criteria in DSM-5 are the same for adults and older adults (i.e., seniors)

Accepted Answer

DSM-5 diagnostic criteria are the same for adults and older adults. There are no separate criteria specific to seniors. However, clinicians must take into consideration age-related factors such as physical health, cognitive functioning, and social support when assessing and diagnosing older adults.

Question 16

Seniors tend to have the lowest rate of mental health problems in the population.

Accepted Answer

Seniors often have lower rates of mental health problems compared to younger age groups, partly due to factors like greater emotional resilience and life experience. However, they may face unique challenges such as isolation and physical health issues that can impact mental health.

Question 17

Alzheimer's disease can only be conclusively diagnosed upon autopsy.

Accepted Answer

Currently, Alzheimer's disease can only be definitively diagnosed after death through an examination of brain tissue for the presence of plaques and tangles. However, physicians can make a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease based on symptoms, medical history, and other tests such as cognitive and neurological evaluations.

Question 18

Over 74 million seniors in China would benefit from treatment for depression.

Accepted Answer

According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, around 74 million Chinese seniors (aged 60 years or above) are estimated to suffer from depression, and thus would benefit from treatment.

Question 19

Paraphrenia is schizophrenia with onset in old age.

Accepted Answer

Paraphrenia is a subtype of schizophrenia that typically begins in later life, usually after the age of 60.

Question 20

The most prominent symptom of dementia is difficulty remembering past events.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The most prominent symptom of dementia is...

Quiz 16: Aging and Issues in Psychological Disorders