Neural Basis of Cognitive Aging

Description: This quiz covers the neural basis of cognitive aging, including changes in brain structure and function associated with age-related cognitive decline.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: cognitive aging neuroplasticity neurodegeneration
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Which brain region is most consistently associated with age-related cognitive decline?

  1. Frontal lobe

  2. Temporal lobe

  3. Parietal lobe

  4. Occipital lobe


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and working memory, which are often impaired in older adults.

What is the primary cause of age-related cognitive decline?

  1. Neurodegeneration

  2. Neuroplasticity

  3. Synaptic pruning

  4. Myelination


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Neurodegeneration, or the loss of neurons and synapses, is the primary cause of age-related cognitive decline.

Which neurotransmitter system is most affected by age-related cognitive decline?

  1. Dopamine

  2. Serotonin

  3. Noradrenaline

  4. Acetylcholine


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The cholinergic system, which uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter, is most affected by age-related cognitive decline.

What is the term for the process by which the brain compensates for age-related cognitive decline?

  1. Neuroplasticity

  2. Neurogenesis

  3. Synaptic pruning

  4. Myelination


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, including the challenges of aging.

Which brain imaging technique is most commonly used to study the neural basis of cognitive aging?

  1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

  2. Computed tomography (CT)

  3. Positron emission tomography (PET)

  4. Electroencephalography (EEG)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most commonly used brain imaging technique to study the neural basis of cognitive aging due to its high resolution and ability to provide detailed images of brain structure and function.

What is the term for the age-related decline in the ability to learn and remember new information?

  1. Amnesia

  2. Dementia

  3. Alzheimer's disease

  4. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the term used to describe the age-related decline in cognitive function that is greater than expected for a person's age but does not meet the criteria for dementia.

Which brain region is most affected by Alzheimer's disease?

  1. Frontal lobe

  2. Temporal lobe

  3. Parietal lobe

  4. Occipital lobe


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The temporal lobe, particularly the hippocampus, is most affected by Alzheimer's disease.

What is the primary neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease?

  1. Amyloid plaques

  2. Tau tangles

  3. Lewy bodies

  4. Neurofibrillary tangles


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Amyloid plaques, composed of amyloid-beta protein, are the primary neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Which genetic mutation is most strongly associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease?

  1. APOE-e4 allele

  2. APP gene mutation

  3. PSEN1 gene mutation

  4. MAPT gene mutation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The APOE-e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene is the most strongly associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

What is the term for the age-related decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks?

  1. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)

  2. Activities of daily living (ADLs)

  3. Basic activities of daily living (BADLs)

  4. Self-care activities


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) refer to more complex tasks such as managing finances, cooking, and using transportation, which are often impaired in older adults.

Which neurotransmitter system is most affected by Parkinson's disease?

  1. Dopamine

  2. Serotonin

  3. Noradrenaline

  4. Acetylcholine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

What is the primary neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease?

  1. Lewy bodies

  2. Amyloid plaques

  3. Tau tangles

  4. Neurofibrillary tangles


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lewy bodies, composed of alpha-synuclein protein, are the primary neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease.

Which genetic mutation is most strongly associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease?

  1. SNCA gene mutation

  2. LRRK2 gene mutation

  3. GBA gene mutation

  4. PARK2 gene mutation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mutations in the SNCA gene, which encodes alpha-synuclein, are the most strongly associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

What is the term for the age-related decline in the ability to maintain attention and focus?

  1. Sustained attention

  2. Selective attention

  3. Divided attention

  4. Alternating attention


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sustained attention, the ability to maintain focus on a task over time, is often impaired in older adults.

Which brain region is most affected by Huntington's disease?

  1. Frontal lobe

  2. Temporal lobe

  3. Parietal lobe

  4. Basal ganglia


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Huntington's disease primarily affects the basal ganglia, particularly the caudate nucleus and putamen.

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