A patient with cognitive symptoms shows cortical atrophy in the frontal, temporal, and parietal brain areas, and a PET scans reveals pronounced reduction of metabolism in posterior parietal cortex and parts of the temporal lobe, among other symptoms. This patient most likely has
A) age-related aging.
B) Parkinson's.
C) Alzheimer's.
D) amnesia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by cortical atrophy in the frontal and temporal brain areas and reduced metabolism in the posterior parietal cortex and parts of the temporal lobe. Age-related aging may cause some cognitive decline, but not to the extent described. Parkinson's disease typically involves motor symptoms and does not usually cause the type of cognitive decline and brain atrophy described. Amnesia is a specific type of memory impairment that would not account for the other symptoms described.

A Patient with Cognitive Symptoms Shows Cortical Atrophy in the Frontal