PSYC140 / PSYC 140 Module 8 Exam Questions and Answers | Latest 2026–2027 Update | Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology | Portage Learning | Verified Solutions | Grade A

PSYC140 / PSYC 140 Module 8 Exam Questions and Answers | Latest 2026–2027 Update | Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology | Portage Learning | Verified Solutions | Grade A Q: True or false? Most doctors today define death as occurring when the heart and lungs have ceased to function. Answer FALSE Q: For the following descriptions, identify the most likely type of neurocognitive disorder most likely indicated by these symptoms and situations. Vera began drinking heavily in her early 20s. She continued this pattern throughout her life and is now in her 70s. She has been hospitalized with liver disease. Prior to this hospitalization, her children noticed some that she's been having trouble dressing herself and is exhibiting some marked forgetfulness. Answer Substance/Medication Induced Q: True or false? If you live long enough, you will eventually develop a neurocognitive disorder. Answer FALSE 1 1 Q: True or false? Alzheimer's Disease can cause personality changes. Answer TRUE Q: Seventy-year-old Elizabeth has trouble remembering how to use her DVR and relies on her daughter to occasionally help her. Is this most likely a sign of Alzheimer's Disease or an age-related change? Answer age-related change Q: True or false? If an individual lives long enough with a terminal illness, he will eventually reach a point of acceptance of the illness. Answer FALSE Q: For the following example, indicate which stage of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's Stage theory is being depicted. Mandy is very irritable and feels like yelling all of the time. Answer Anger 1 2 Q: Which of the following individuals is NOT in late adulthood? Answer 55-year-old-man Q: Describe 2 symptoms that may indicate that an individual is experiencing memory loss that is greater than normal. Answer Two symptoms that indicate that an individual is experiencing memory loss that is greater than normal include: having difficulty getting to a location that an individual has been to many times over their life and losing track of the concept of time (dates and seasons). Q: What is hospice? Be sure to discuss the various services given through hospice. Answer Hospice is a program that provides services for the terminally ill. These services can occur at an actual hospice location or event at the patient's house. The services typically provided include: managing of physical symptoms and allowing for the patient to have social interaction. Patients are also provided with spiritual/religious services if required. 1 3 Q: Describe two reasons that experts give to explain why women typically outlive men? Answer Two reasons that experts give for women outliving men include: genetics, women typically take better care of their health than men, and women don't partake as frequently as men do in behaviors that may cause harm (such as drug abuse, drinking, thrill-seeking activities). Q: Compare and contrast Activity Theory and Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory. Be sure to both "compare" and "contrast." Answer Activity theory is suggests that older individuals are happiest when they partake in an activity. These activites can range from: painting, volunteering, or even playing a sport (e.g. tennis). Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory suggests that as older individuals suffer from physical and mental decrease, they try to become better at activities that they are already somewhat proficient in. These theories are similar in that they both suggest that an activity allows for older individuals to gain satisfaction. However, they are different in that one suggests taking up a new activity while the other suggests getting better at an activity that the individual has previously done. Q: When diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease, why is it important to rule out other illnesses? Be specific in your answer, indicating what other illnesses and disease may mirror Alzheimer's symptoms. Finally, describe two types of assessments/tests that should be conducted when making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Be sure to mention the purpose of each assessment. Answer It is important to rule out other illnesses because often times other illnesses may invoke symptoms similar to Alzheimer's (such as memory loss and behavioral changes). Alzheimer's disease is a severe disease with little to no cure whereas other disease's such as depression may be curable via antidepressants. Some other illnesses that may mirror Alzheimer's symptoms include: depression, Parkinson's disease, malnutrition, 1 4 substance-induced dementia, or vascular dementia. Two types of assessments that can be conducted include: a psychiatrist doing a mental health screening and a nurse/general practitioner doing a physical health screening. The purpose of the mental health screening is so that the psychiatrist can see if the patient is suffering from Alzheimer's or if the patient may be experiencing depression. According to the module, the symptoms for both of these disease's can be similar. The purpose of the physical health screening is so that the healthcare provider can once again see if the patient is truly suffering from Alzheimer's or if the patient is suffering from malnutrition. Malnutrition can induce similar symptoms to Alzheimer's. Q: do most older adults develop dementia? Answer No it is not a normal part of aging Q: Why do women typically live longer than men? Answer Genetics Mostly environmental men are more likely to engage in risky behavior such as abusing drugs or alcohol and being less vigilant about their health 1 5 Q: Are memory problems inevitable as we get older? Answer sort of, but not to the extent of AD Q: do most elderly people need to live in a nursing home? Answer No only if they can't take care of themselves Q: primary agin Answer genetically influenced and thought to be unavoidable at this point. What triggers this is up for debate. Q: Secondary aging Answer not inevitable. It is a result of choices that we make and environmental exposure. For example, smoking cigarettes and frequent sun exposure cause wrinkles. Q: "Wear and Tear" Answer the theory that aging is due to time spent living and exerting oneself. 1 6 Q: what are the problems with the wear and tear theory? Answer The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances. Also, individuals who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise and activity are typically healthier and longer-lived compared to more sedentary individuals. Q: three types of theories for aging Answer - cellular theories of aging- programmed cell death theories of aging- rate of living theories of aging Q: cellular theories of aging Answer We age because our cells age and reach senescence and no longer divide. Then we have trouble with injury, illness and stress. Hayflick limit & Free Radicals Q: Hayflick limit Answer The limit to a number of times a cell can divide before senescence. Doesn't necessarily have an impact on one's lifespan. The limit for most human cells is approximately 50 divisions, an indication that the life span is limited by our genetic program. 1 7 Q: free radical theory Answer A microbiological theory of aging that states that people age because inside their cells normal metabolism produces unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals. These molecules ricochet around inside cells, damaging DNA and other cellular structures. We gradually accumulate free radicals which leads to damaging our DNA - Explains certain cancers and diabetes - Research work modifies this theory Q: programmed cell death theory Answer aging is programmed into the genetic code; cells self-destruct Q: Parkinson's Disease Answer may cause a neurocognitive disorder. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and personality changes. Q: Cognitive declines due to Vascular Disease Answer are due to a cerebrovascular event such as a stroke. Risk factors include hypertension, smoking, obesity and any factors that contribute to cerebrovascular disease. 1 8 Q: A Traumatic brain injury Answer can result in cognitive impairment such as difficulty concentrating and slowed processing. Q: Substance/medication induced neurocognitive disorder Answer is due to usually a lifetime of heavy drug use such as alcohol abuse. This may result in the individual having severe problems with concentrating as well as some motor problems. Q: A Prion disease Answer is caused by transmissible agents called prions. For example, a form of Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease is known as "mad cow disease." In humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is very rare. While the precise process for developing a prion disease is not well understood, research indicates that transmission can occur by corneal transplantation, injection, and possibly physical contacted with contaminated matter. Q: HIV Infection Answer have a neurocognitive disorder that is tied to this disease. Approximately 25% of individuals with it have symptoms for at least a mild neurocognitive disorder. 1 9 Q: Alzheimer's disease Answer is the most common type of dementia (60% of cases) Q: beginning stage of AD Answer - memory declines - forgetting words, how to do basic activities - can mask this, stop doing activities - social withdrawal - depression middle stage of AD Answer - problems with basic activities of daily living - losing independence (otherwise dangerous) - forgetting names of family and friends - unaware of current events - personality change - gait problems, visuospatial problems 1 10 end stage of AD Answer complete dependence - problems with speaking, walking, eating, using toilet - health problems from being bedridden three factors associated with AD Answer - amyloid plaques - NFTs - ACh deficiency amyloid plaques Answer beta-amyloid protein depots that disrupt normal communication b/w neurons neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) Answer inclusions formed with threads in tau protein twist and tangle, disrupting brain's ability to transport necessary nutrients 1 11 how is AD diagnosed? Answer fMRI (brain imaging) psychologist/psychiatrist screen for mental health nurse to screen for physical health social worker to assess memory functioning three theories of aging Answer - disengagement - activity - selective optimization with compensation disengagement theory Answer Cumming & Henry (1961) "it's all down hill from here" approach to aging - older adults should withdraw from society to prepare for death - largely disproven activity theory Answer 1960s- more activity is better for older adults. - if someone retires and is more sedentary, it will be detrimental unless they replace it with another activity 1 12 selective optimization with compensation theory the theory that successful aging is related to three main factors: selection, optimization, and compensation - older adults must be SELECTIVE in what they choose to do - OPTIMIZATION involves maintaining what you can through practice, even if there are declines in other areas - COMPENSATION occurs when an older adult simply cannot function as she used to and must learn to compensate accordingly (such as by resting after physical activity, driving more slowly, or watching peoples' lips while they talk) Kubler-Ross stages of dying Answer denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance (DABDA) euthanasia Answer the act of painlessly killing a suffering person or animal; mercy killing hospice Answer a home providing care for the sick, especially the terminally ill. 1 13 palliative care Answer Care designed not to treat an illness but to provide physical and emotional comfort to the patient and support and guidance to his or her family grief Answer psychological reaction to loss (anxiety, sadness, anger) mourning Answer behaviors undertaken while grieving; determined by culture True or false? Individuals who develop Alzheimer's Disease at a young age tend to have a version of the disease that isbased. Answer TRUE 80 year-old Elizabeth has trouble remembering how to use her DVR and relies on her daughter to occasionally help her. Is this most likely Alzheimer's Disease or an age- related change? Answer age-related change 1 14 Seventy-year-old Abe thinks that the current year is 1997. Should his family be concerned that he might have Alzheimer's Disease? Answer YES True or false? Alzheimer's does not affect people who are in their 40s. Answer FALSE x heard about his wife's diagnosis of a terminal illness, he said to the doctor, "Well, what if we really changed her diet? I mean, remove all trans fats..." Answer Denial Which of the following is the best summary of Activity theory? Answer older adults should remain as active as possible Who typically lives longer: women or men? Answer Women 1 15 Euthanasia can be active Answer an agent—a doctor, for example-- actively administers something to hasten death Euthanasia can be passive Answer an agent does not permit life-sustaining measures to be used When diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease, why is it important to rule out other illnesses? Be specific in your answer, indicating what other illnesses and disease may mirror Alzheimer's symptoms. Finally, describe two types of assessments/tests that should be conducted when making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Be sure to mention the purpose of each assessment. Answer it is important to rule out other illnesses bc several conditions can mimic its symptoms such as depression and certain infections can all present with memory loss, confusion or similar cognitive issues. There are two different assessment that can be conducted to determine if the patient has AD. A psychiatrist or psychologist can conduct a screen of the individuals mental health. A nurse can screen for physical health such as gait problems. these can be enhanced by using the fMRI to check imaging of the brain. Module Question: Compare and contrast primary and secondary aging. 1 16 Primary aging is biological and genetically influenced. Secondary aging is aging that is caused by lifestyle and the environment. Primary aging is biological aging caused by genes, this aging is unavoidable, while Secondary aging is not inevitable and is mostly cause by our lifes choices and the environment. Module question: What are some logical and scientific problems with the "wear and tear" theory of aging? The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances. Also, individuals who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise and activity are typically healthier and longer-lived compared to more sedentary individuals. Module Question: What are some current explanations for why we age biologically? Specific genes seem to be at least partly responsible for longevity as well as the age at which noticeable physical changes occur in aging. Other genetic theories consider cumulative effects that damage DNA and therefore result in aging. Module question: Describe three subtypes of neurocognitive disorders discussed in this module. Choose three of the following: -Parkinson's Disease: may cause a neurocognitive disorder. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and personality changes. -Cognitive declines due to Vascular Disease: are due to a cerebrovascular event such as a stroke. Risk factors include hypertension, smoking, obesity and any factors that contribute to cerebrovascular disease. -A Traumatic brain injury: (which involves trauma to the brain from impact to the head, paired with a number of symptoms such as loss of consciousness or amnesia) can result in cognitive impairment such as difficulty concentrating and slowed processing. 1 17 -Substance/medication induced neurocognitive disorder: is due to usually a lifetime of heavy drug use such as alcohol abuse. This may result in the individual having severe problems with concentrating as well as some motor problems. -A Prion disease: is caused by transmissible agents called prions. For example, a form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is known as "mad cow disease." In humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is very rare. While the precise process for developing a prion disease is not well understood, research indicates that transmission can occur by corneal transplantation, injection, and possibly physical contacted with contaminated matter. -A number of individuals with an HIV Infection have a neurocognitive disorder that is tied to this disease. Approximately 25% of individuals with HIV have symptoms for at least a mild neurocognitive disorder. -Alzheimer's disease: (named after the discoverer, Dr. Alzheimer) is the most common type of dementia (60% of cases) Module question: Summarize what the progression of Alzheimer's disease often looks like, being sure to incorporate the three time points in your summary. Early stages: problems with declarative memory and language. Social activities, daily activities, and mood may be affected. Middle stages: progressive memory deterioration and problems with common words and names. Problems with self-care. May have spatial reasoning difficulties and may be unaware of the year/month/current location. Final stages: completely unable to care for self. Module question: Your grandmother is concerned that she might have Alzheimer's disease. What is your response to her based on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease linked in this module? I would tell my grandma that it's natural to worry about Alzheimer's, I would also reassure her that memory changes are common with aging, but it's important to distinguish between typical age-related changes and those that might signal something more serious, like Alzheimer's. For example, while it's normal to occasionally forget names or appointments and later remember them, persistent memory loss that disrupts daily life—such as forgetting recently learned information or asking the same questions repeatedly—could be a sign of Alzheimer's. Other warning signs to be aware of include difficulty with planning or solving problems, confusion about time or place, trouble 1 18 understanding visual images, or problems with speaking and writing. If she is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to talk to a doctor. Early detection can help with symptom management and maintaining independence for as long as possible. Module question: Summarize current findings regarding what causes AD. Research has ruled out many environmental substances (for example, aluminum and aspartame) as primary causes of AD. However, the precise causes are still unknown. While amlyoid plaques and neurofibrillay tangles characterize the brains of patients with AD (and contribute to neural death and brain shrinkage), these abnormalities can also be observed in the brains of asymptomatic individuals. This leads researchers to investigate still further for insight into why individuals may function so differently with and without the presence of these abnormal brain structures. Module question: Compare and contrast the three theories discussed in this section. What do you personally think it means to age successfully? Disengagement theory: older adults should withdraw from societal interaction to maintain life satisfaction. Activity theory: the more active the older adult is, the better (if levels of interaction decrease, they are often due to barriers that need to be overcome). Selective Optimization with Compensation theory essentially says that older adults need to make the best of the resources they have available, utilizing choice, practice, and creative strategies to carry on with activities despite declining in some ways. Compare and contrast Activity Theory and Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory. Be sure to both "compare" and "contrast." Activity theory is suggests that older individuals are happiest when they partake in an activity. These activites can range from: painting, volunteering, or even playing a sport (e.g. tennis). Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory suggests that as older individuals suffer from physical and mental decrease, they try to become better at activities that they are already somewhat proficient in. These theories are similar in that they both suggest that an activity allows for older individuals to gain satisfaction. 1 19 However, they are different in that one suggests taking up a new activity while the other suggests getting better at an activity that the individual has previously done. Module question: How would you answer the question, "What is death?" A variety of answers can be given to this question! As this module discusses, brain death is a prevailing definition in current Western society. This refers to the cessation of both higher and lower cortical processes. However, other cultures (and other times in history) have used other definitions. Furthermore, all of these definitions focus on the physical, rather than spiritual aspect of death. An in-depth study of death and dying would necessitate exploration of religious explanations of death. Module question: Why might one choose hospice care? Most individuals would prefer to die at home rather than in a hospital. Hospice can facilitate this wish and offer support to the dying individual and family. It also considers the whole person, rather than simply the physical aspects of the person. Module question: What are Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's stages of dying? Do you think there are any additional stages that should be mentioned? Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Answers about additional stages will vary. T/F: in most modern industrialized societies, death is defined as the cessation of higher cortical processes False 1 20 70 year old Aaron sometimes has trouble finding the word that he wants when speaking with others. Is this most likely a sign of Alzheimer's disease or an age-related change? A. Alzheimer's disease B. age-related changes B. age-related changes Max isn't sure how to help his 70 year old father. in the past year, his father spent $4,000 on As seen on TV products that he never uses. Max's father used to be very careful with his money. Now, Max is concerned over his father's financial judgement. Is Max's father's behavior most likely a sign of Alzheimer's disease or an age-related change? A. Alzheimer's disease B. age-related changed A. Alzheimer's disease identify the most likely type of neurocognitive disorder indicated by these symptoms and situations Vera began drinking heavily in her early 20s. she continued this pattern throughout her life and is now in her 70s. She has been hospitalized with liver disease. prior to this hospitalization, her children noticed some that she's been having trouble dressing herself and is exhibiting some marked forgetfulness A. Alzheimer's disease B. vascular disease C. Parkinson's disease D. prion disease E. substance/medication induced F. traumatic brain injury E. substance/medication induced 1 21 T/F: Alzheimer's does not affect people who are in their 40s False For the following example, indicate which stage of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's stage theory is being depicted: Jen knows that her loved one is no longer suffering and is encouraged when she thinks of that A. depression B. denial C. acceptance D. bargaining E. anger C. acceptance which of the following is the best summary of selective optimization with compensation theory? A. older adults should remain as active as possible B. older adults should remain active, but be wise in choosing safe activities that they can engage in long-term C. older adults should cut back on all strenuous activities D. it is not important to consider how active older adults should be B. older adults should remain active, but be wise in choosing safe activities that they can engage in long-term 1 22 Who typically live longer: women or men? Women Describe 2 typical symptoms observed in the final stages of Alzheimer's Disease. [Teacher's Note]: 3 pts for reasons: Unable to walk, speak, engage in basic life activities During middle stages, trouble with self-care and independence, forgetting family members' names, gait problems. Compare and contrast active and passive euthanasia. Be sure to both compare and contrast. [Teacher's Note]: Contrast: Active—agent is administered to hasten death. Passive: life- saving measures are not used. Compare: both are a choice to not allow life to continue/prolong. Active and passive are both a choice to not allow life to continue.Active is an agent administered to hasten death while passive is when nothing is done to help prolong life. Compare and contrast Primary and Secondary aging. [Teacher's note]: Answers need to include the following: Primary—genetic, unavoidable. Secondary—caused by behavioral choices and the environment. Primary and secondary are both forms of aging. Primary aging is biological and genetically influenced. Secondary aging is aging caused by behavioral choices and the environment. Why do theorists and practitioners today criticize disengagement theory? Be specific. 1 23 [Teacher's note]: Withdrawal can harm someone's physical health, cognition, and social life. Withdrawal can harm someone's physical health, cognition, and social life -- About disengagement theory focus on how older adults withdraw themselves from society in order to prepare for death, so they started to decrease social interaction. So many theorists and practitioners have criticized about this theory because the withdraw from society also involving in physical, and cognitive consequences from aging. The view of "use it or lose it" is more situable to philosophy for experts and practitioners. Long Essay Question: Thoroughly answer the essay question in complete sentence. Why do we age? Based on what you learned in the model, describe what the Cellular Theories/Damage Theories as well as the Programmed Cell Death theories say causes aging. Then, describe your reaction to these theories. How do they make you think differently about aging, than if you have never heard of them? [Teacher's note]: (4 pts) for describing Cellular Death Theories. Answers need to include the following: Genetics preprograms our genes, doesn't explain all aspects of aging—but a big chunk of it. (4 pts) for describing Cellular/Damage Theories: Hayflick limit (and description), role of free radicals. Two points for a well-supported evaluation of one's reaction. Cellular theories of aging includes the Hayflick Limit, which states that cells have a limited number of times they can divide. It also includes the Free Radicals Theory that claims we gradually accumulate free radical cellular damage which leads to DNA mutation. The programmed cell death theories focus on how cells appear to be designed to self destruct What is the term for comfort care for a terminally ill individual? Palliative 1 24 T/F: Some people experience rapid memory loss and decreased cognitive abilities as a result of Alzheimer's disease, while others' progression with the disease is much slower True 70 year old Donna lost her keys. she loses them every week. But, she is always able to retrace her steps and finds them. is this more likely a sign of Alzheimer's or an age- related change A. Alzheimer's B. age-related change B. age-related change A child who has a biological parent with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease carries a chance of inheriting the mutation that may cause early-onset AD 50% If a child's parents has early-onset Alzheimer's disease what is the chance of the child inheriting the mutation that may cause early onset AD? 50% T/F: Trouble with remembering to pay monthly bills (when this was not a problem before) is a warning sign of Alzheimer's disease True 1 25 What is the difference between a normal age-related change that involves forgetting a name versus someone in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease A. memory differences are identical with age-related changes and Alzheimer-related changes B. people with Alzheimer's disease cannot remember anything C. the individual remembers the name later if it is a normal, age-related change C. the individual remembers the name later if it is a normal, age-related change T/F: Alzheimer's disease can affect one's ability to judge color and contrast True T/F: There is a neurocognitive disorder associated with HIV infection True Describe Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's five stages of dying. denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance (DABDA) Long Essay Question: When diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease, why is it important to rule out other illnesses? Be specific in your answer, indicating what other illnesses and disease may mirror Alzheimer's symptoms. Finally, describe two types of assessments/tests that should be conducted when making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Be sure to mention the purpose of each assessment. [Teacher's note]: (5 pts): there are multiple causes to memory loss; causes include mental health issues, physical health issues, other dementias 1 26 (5 pts) for describing 2 assessments from the list and why each is needed: fmri, mental health assessment, health screening, test for memory functioning It is important to rule out other illnesses bc several conditions can mimic its symptoms such as depression and certain infections can all present with memory loss, confusion or similar cognitive issues. There are two different assessment that can be conducted to determine if the patient has AD.A psychiatrist or psychologist can conduct a screen of the individuals mental health. A nurse can screen for physical health such as gait problems. these can be enhanced by using the fMRI (functional MRI) to check imaging of the brain. It is important because often times other illnesses may invoke symptoms similar to Alzheimer's (such as memory loss and behavioral changes). Alzheimer's disease is a severe disease with little to no cure whereas other disease's such as depression may be curable. Some other illnesses that may mirror Alzheimer's symptoms include: depression, Parkinson's disease, malnutrition, substance-induced dementia, or vascular dementia. Two types of assessments that can be conducted include: a psychiatrist doing a mental health screening and a nurse/general practitioner doing a physical health screening. The purpose of the mental health screening is so that the psychiatrist can see if the patient is suffering from Alzheimer's or depression because the symptoms for both of these disease's can be similar. The purpose of the physical health screening is so that the healthcare provider can see if the patient is suffering from Alzheimer's or from malnutrition. Malnutrition can induce similar symptoms to Alzheimer's. T/F: About half of the individuals who take medications to treat Alzheimer's Disease find that the progression of the disease seems to temporarily shut/slow down True T/F: The length of time from the beginning to final stages of Alzheimer's Disease varies greatly across individuals. True 1 27 T/F: According to Selection with Optimization theory, older adults should be more selective in what activities they choose to do. True T/F: According to selection with optimization theory, older adults should not necessarily expect to be able to maintain the same level that they did when they were in early to middle adulthood True T/F: Individuals who develop Alzheimer's Disease at a young age tend to have a version of the disease that is strongly genetically based. True Seventy-year-old Elizabeth has trouble remembering how to use her DVR and relies on her daughter to occasionally help her. Is this most likely a sign of Alzheimer's Disease or an age-related change? Age-related change Jan is a widow. After her husband died, she stopped spending time with friends. Over a decade later, Junie is in her 80's. She's now not as involved in her church, and feels that she's too old to do much. Which of the following socioemotional theories of aging best fits her viewpoint: Disengagement, Activity, or Selective Optimization with Compensation. Disengagement 1 28 Maxine works in an assisted living facility. She encourages residents to get involved in as many events and social gatherings as possible. Which of the following socioemotional theories of aging best fits her viewpoint: A. disengagement B. activity C. selective optimization with compensation B. Activity Jan is about to celebrate her 80th birthday. She's fond of saying, "It's all downhill after 75!" After she retired, she gradually stopped socializing with her friends. She now rarely leaves her house. Which of the following socioemotional theories of aging best fits the meaning behind what she is saying: A. Disengagement B. Activity C. Selective Optimization with Compensation. A. disengagement Which of the following individuals is NOT in late adulthood? A. 60 year old man B. 85 year old woman C. 55 year old man D. 100 year old woman C. 55 year old man 1 29 Seventy-year-old Abe thinks that the current year is 1997. Should his family be concerned that he might have Alzheimer's Disease? Yes For the following example, indicate which stage of Elizabeth Kubler Ross's Stage theory is being depicted. When Alex heard about his wife's diagnosis of a terminal illness, he said to the doctor, "Well, what if we really changed her diet? I mean, I think if we cut out all trans fats..." A. depression B. denial C. acceptance D. bargaining E. anger D. bargaining Which of the following is the best summary of Activity theory? A. older adults should remain as active as possible B. older adults should remain active, but be wise in choosing safe activities that they can engage in long-term C. older adults should cut back on all strenuous activities D. it is not important to consider how active older adults should be A. older adults should remain as active as possible Based on what you learned in this module, what do you think it means to age successfully? In your answer, be sure to include concepts that you learned in the module (but use your own words in your description). 1 30 Age successfully is when older adult is able to manage their emotional and physical effectively. They will selective on what activities more suitable for themselves. They are willing to maintain the practice of body training even they may have decline in some other areas. They accept the fact that they cannot function as they used to and learn how to compensate to new changes. Making ourselves changes to adapt new environment seems very normal to all of us, but it is very important for older adults to adapt to new changes rather than decline by withdraw themselves from society. Why is the "Wear and Tear" theory of biological aging an inadequate explanation of why we age? Be detailed in your answer. The body normally can repair itself—so the theory doesn't actually address what causes aging; being more active actually promotes health. -- Wear and Tear theory focus on our body will age by time, but there are many holes in this theory that cannot explain how our body works. In fact, our body is able to repair itself under normal circumstances, then the question do how our body work at old ages? It will be able to repair or repair at slow speed that cannot keep up with the tear? Since the theory cannot explain all of these question, so this theory is inadequate explanation of why we age. Describe 3 typical symptoms observed in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Forgetting common nouns, forgetting some names, other speech difficulties, trouble with daily activities, change in mood Which theory do you think is the most helpful for older adults: Activity Theory or Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory? Pick one of these theories, describe it, and then indicate why you think that this theory would be helpful for older adults. Be specific and detailed. In my opinion, the Selective Optimization and Compensation Theory is most helpful for older adults. This is the theory of successful aging were the older adult due to inevitable decline as they age Select the activities that they can do to stay active especially since they cannot do some activities due to physical decline in aging, then they optimize by practicing what they can do so that they do not loose the cognitive ability of that activity as described by the "use it or loose" it phrase in cognitive development and finally, the 1 31 older adults need to compensate for every activity they carry out by resting and or in some cases driving slowly or walking slowly to accomodate these period of physical decline as they age. I think the Selective Optimization with Compensation theory balances out the other two theories properly. The theory of disengagement and active theory. Because older adults need to remain active and at the same time in moderation and this is what the theory of selection optimization with compensation portrays. Your friend's father has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Your friend says, "This is because he drank so much Fresca out of those stupid aluminum cans. And the aspartame—I bet that contributed, too." Write out a response that gently corrects your friend's misconceptions and describes what is actually known about the causes of Alzheimer's Disease. I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis of your father. I know we hear a lot of things to be the cause of Alzheimer's Disease but research has ruled out many environmental factors such as aluminum and aspartame. So please don't be upset with him about those. The precise cause is still unknown but they have found that the amyloid plaques and neurofibrilay tangles characterize the brains of people with Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's Disease is not part of aging, not all older adults will have AD but 60% are diagnosis with Alzheimer disease. The Alzheimer's Disease is progressive shrinking of neuron (brain cells), cause declining in memory and start to have problem with daily activities till the point that older adults cannot walk, talk because they cannot remember how to perform these tasks. Cognitive functioning will continue to deteriorate. The length of time it takes from beginning stage to final stages varies. For some, it is more rapid decline of a few years but others can take up to more than 10 years. genetics (APOE gene on chromosome 19-- one allele increases the risk, mutations on chromosome 1, 14, 21 that increase risk for early onset), amyloid plaques & neurofibrillary tangles harming cells, acetylcholine deficiency, vascular issues True or false? Most doctors today define death as occurring when the heart and lungs have ceased to function. False 1 32 True or false? If you live long enough, you will eventually develop a neurocognitive disorder. False True or false? Alzheimer's Disease can cause personality changes. True True or false? If an individual lives long enough with a terminal illness, he will eventually reach a point of acceptance of the illness. False For the following example, indicate which stage of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's Stage theory is being depicted. Mandy is very irritable and feels like yelling all of the time. Anger Describe 2 symptoms that may indicate that an individual is experiencing memory loss that is greater than normal. Two symptoms that indicate that an individual is experiencing memory loss that is greater than normal include: - having difficulty getting to a location that an individual has been to many times over their life and, - losing track of the concept of time (dates and seasons). 1 33 What is hospice? Be sure to discuss the various services given through hospice. Hospice is a program that provides services for the terminally ill. These services can occur at an actual hospice location or event at the patient's house. The services typically provided include: managing of physical symptoms and allowing for the patient to have social interaction. Patients are also provided with spiritual/religious services if required. Describe two reasons that experts give to explain why women typically outlive men? Two reasons that experts give for women outliving men include: genetics, women typically take better care of their health than men, and women don't partake as frequently as men do in behaviors that may cause harm (such as drug abuse, drinking, thrill-seeking activities). what is the term for psychological reaction to a loss? Grief T/F: It is unusual for someone who is grieving to experience anger as a result of the loss False T/F: The FDA has approved drugs that can fully cure Alzheimer's disease False for the following descriptions, identify the most likely type of neurocognitive disorder most likely indicated by these symptoms and situations after experiencing a stroke, Mrs. Andrews can no longer move her right arm. She is also forgetful and frequently confused 1 34 A. Alzheimer's disease B. vascular disease C. Parkinson's disease D. prion disease E. HIV infection F. substance/medication induced G. traumatic brain injury B. vascular disease Emma is in her late 80's and broke her hip last year. Not that she is recovered, she finds that she is more careful to avoid injury. Rather than walking in her hilly neighborhood, she now drives with a friend to the mall each morning for a nice, flat walk. Which of the following socioemotional theories of aging best fits her new viewpoint: A. disengagement B. activity C. selective optimization with compensation C. selective optimization with compensation which of the following age-related brain changes are thought to harm cells and possibly contribute to Alzheimer's disease A. atrophy in parts of the brain B. inflammation C. production of free radicals D. all of the above D. all of the above 1 35 identify the most likely type of neurocognitive disorder indicated by these symptoms and situations Ms. Main has been experiencing cognitive impairment for over a decade. although she is physically healthy, her memory problems have steadily worsened and she is not starting to forget her husband's name A. Alzheimer's disease B. vascular disease C. Parkinson's disease D. prion disease E. HIV infection F. substance/medication-induced A. Alzheimer's disease which of the following are true about early-onset Alzheimer's disease: A. signs typically appear between a person's mid thirties and mid 60s B. signs typically appear in someones 20s C. signs typically appear in someones 70s D. signs typically appear in a person's mid-60s A. signs typically appear between a person's mid thirties and mid 60s T/F: Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia/neurocognitive disorder True T/F: most older adults live in a nursing home False 1 36 T/F: The older you are, the more likely it is that you will have a neurocognitive disorder True What percentage of demential cases are Alzheimer's? 60% Hospice emphasizes care Palliative what percentage of individuals with HIV have symptoms for at least a mild neurocognitive disorder? 25% T/F: some neurocognitive diseases are caused by drug abuse True T/F: The five stages of death are fixed False What is the term for behaviors undertaken while grieving? 1 37 Mourning T/F: Kubler-Ross developed a stage theory to explain what people go through when grieving the loss of a loved one False late aduldhood starts in 60's, can be the longest age grouping in one's life if an individual lives to old age Do most older adults develop dementia? No, It is not a normal part of aging. Only a small percentage of 65-to-75-year-old people have a neurocognitive disorder. However, this number increases with age (50% of individuals 85 and older have a neurocognitive disorder)_ What are some causes of neurocognitive disorders? various diseases, severe drug/alcohol abuse, stroke, or progressive deterioration caused by a variety of factors Why do women typically outlive men? Partly genetics, but mostly environmental. Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, abuse drugs and alcohol, and be less vigilant about their overall health. primary aging 1 38 the universal and irreversible physical changes that occur to all living creatures as they grow older, genetically influenced, and thought to be unavoidable at this point secondary aging aging that is not inevitable and occurs due to choices we make and environmental exposures "wear and tear" theory States that time and exertion is the enemy, and focuses on secondary aging but ignores the actual cause which is primary aging. However there are holes in this theory: body does a great job at repairing itself, individuals who engage in a lot of exercise and activity are typically healthier and longer-lived than sedentary individuals, free radical theory theory of aging that states that free radicals triggered by certain environmental contaminants might be linked to various diseases and maladies that coincide with aging. Accumulating free radicals over time might be associated with problems such as cataracts and arthritis Cellular theories of aging -Free radicals -Hayflick Limit Hayflick Limit Theory 1 39 states that human adult cells have a limited number of times that they can divide (approximately 20). After this limit is reached, the cells will begin to die. programmed cell death theories focus on how cells appear to be designed to self-destruct in our genetic code. A variety of processes contribute to this programmed cell death, and many of the diseases associated with aging, such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer's, have evidence of being at least partly caused by these processes. Subtypes of neurocognitive disorders Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, substance/medication induced, a prion disease, neurocognitive disease due to HIV, cognitive declines due to vascular disease Symptoms of neurocognitive disorder caused by Parkinson's: anxiety, depression, hallucinations, personality changes Prion diseases -Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease—rapidly progressive dementia, typically sporadic (some familial forms). -Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)—also known as "mad cow disease." -Kuru—acquired prion disease noted in tribal populations practicing human cannibalism. 1 40 What percentage of individuals with HIV have symptoms for at least a mild neurocognitive disorder? approximately 25% HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) drug cocktail that suppresses HIV replication, individuals taking HAART often experience lower rates of neurocognitive issues What percentage of dementia cases are Alzheimer's? 60% 3 stages of Alzheimer's -Early: family/friends may notice subtle changes in memory (routinely forgetting basic words and substituting them with odd words), social withdrawal and depression, trouble with activities -Middle: independence in compromised, forgets family members' names, gait changes -Late: might not be able to speak, eat, walk, or engage in life's basic activities, typically have health problems resulting from the sedentary and bed-ridden lifestyle. What happens to a brain with Alzheimer's disease? Amyloid plaques (beta-amyloid protein deposits) disrupt normal communication between neurons. 1 41 Neurofibrillary tangles disrupt the brain’s ability to transport necessary nutrients throughout the brain. However, brain imaging of the brains of older adults with no symptoms of AD may also have plaques and tangles. disengagement theory of aging states that older adults should withdraw from society in order to prepare for death. Cummings and Henry felt that older adults would be most satisfied in life if they didn't overly concern themselves with society in their declining years. Criticism for the disengagement theory taking it "too easy" can have dire physical consequences so a "use it or lose it" view on aging is more accepted currently Activity Theory theory of adjustment to aging that assumes older people are happier if they remain active in some way, such as volunteering or developing a hobby Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory the theory that successful aging is related to three main factors: selection, optimization, and compensation 1 42 brain death complete cessation of all activity in the brain and brain stem Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's theory of death and dying Interviewed over 200 terminally ill individuals and came up with a five stage theory to describe their responses to their own approaching deaths. She stated that these stages were not fixed though. Kubler-Ross's five stages of dying 1. Denial. 2. Anger. 3. Bargaining. 4. Depression. 5. Acceptance. euthanasia Painlessly killing or permitting the death of someone who is severely injured or sick. Euthanasia can be active (an agent actively administers something to hasten death) or passive (an agent does not permit life-sustaining measures to be used). Hospice Very comprehensive program of services for the terminally ill, as well as their families. Treating physical needs, such as nausea and pain, and addressing social and spiritual needs. May be at a center or at a patient's home. 1 43 palliative care emphasis on comfort rather than cure, on enhancing quality of life rather than prolonging it. Hospice emphasizes palliative grief care. The psychological reaction to a loss. Typical aspects of grief include sadness, anxiety, and anger. mourning Behaviors undertaken while grieving. Mourning behaviors are strongly culturally determined. Why is Alzheimer's referred to as ADRD Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. Too much variety for it to be considered one unified disorder. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Psychiatrist/Psychologist to screen for mental health, Nurse to screen physical health, fMRI, Social worker to give assessment of memory funcitoning 1 44 Early signs of Alzheimer's Memory loss that disrupts daily life, Challenges in planning or solving problems, Difficulty completing familiar tasks, Confusion with time or place, Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, ew problems with words in speaking or writing, Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, Decreased or poor judgment, Withdrawal from work or social activities, Changes in mood and personality late adulthood begins in one's 60's can be the longest age grouping in one's life Do most older adults develop dementia? No. Some adults describe memory lapses as "senior moments" or "senility." Professionals now use the terms "dementia" or "neurocognitive disorder" to describe the loss of cognitive abilities due to a physical reason such as Alzheimer's Disease or stroke. It is not typical for an older adult, or anyone, to have a neurocognitive disorder. This is not a normal part of aging. Neurocognitive disorders can be caused by various diseases, severe drug/alcohol abuse, stroke, or progressive deterioration caused by a variety of factors (as is likely the case with Alzheimer's Disease, to be discussed later). Neurocognitive disorders are extremely rare prior to age 60. Only a small percentage of 65-75 year-olds have a neurocognitive disorder. However, this number increases with age so that approximately 50% of individuals 85 and older have a neurocognitive disorder. Why do women typically outlive men? Partly genetics, but it is particularly environmental men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and be less vigilant about their overall health 1 45 Are memory problems inevitable as we get older? There are certainly cognitive changes that occur as adults age. One typical change is that elders have trouble remembering the precise source of information. For example, after telling a story for many years, an elder might forget that the story was based on an event that happened to someone else rather than himself. However, as mentioned earlier, neurocognitive disorders and dementia are not a typical part of aging. Do most older adults need to live in a nursing home? No. Most elders are able to care for themselves and are able to carry on their normal activities. Elders who are physically unwell are more likely to have cognitive impairments or mobility issues and may need long-term care. primary aging is genetically influenced and thought to be unavoidable secondary aging aging that is not inevitable. It is a result of choices that we make and environmental exposures (smoking and sun exposure) "wear and tear" theory time and exertion is the enemy. As we get older, we simply wear out this theory has many holes in it it only focuses on secondary aging activity is more important 1 46 genetic theories for aging specific genes seem to be at least partly responsible for longevity as well as the age at which noticeable changes occur in aging cumulative effects that damage DNA, resulting in aging biological theories cellular theories free radical theory programmed cell death theories cellular theory of aging we age because our cells age, and then they senescence and no longer divide then, we have trouble responding to injury, illness, and stress Hayflick limit The limit to the number of times a cell can divide before senescence doesn't necessarily limit one's lifespan free radical theory we gradually accumulate free radical cellular damage which leads to DNA mutations helps explain certain cancers, diabetes, etc. recent work modifies this theory 1 47 Programmed cell death theory focuses on how cells appear to be designed to self-destruct a variety of processes contribute to this programmed cell death many of the diseases associated with aging have evidence of being at least party caused by these processes apoptosis aging related disruptions to PCD are connected with inflammation, immune functioning, and normal heart aging apoptosis cell suicide cognitive problems developing dementia is not a normal part of aging the older one gets, the more likely that one will develop a neurocognitive disorder Subtypes of neurocognitive disorders Parkinson's Disease Vascular Dementia Multi-infarct Dementia Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseas AIDs Alzheimer's Disease (AD) 1 48 Parkinson's disease may cause a neurocognitive disorder symptoms: anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and personality changes vascular dementia form of dementia caused by a cerebrovascular event, such as a stroke risk factors: hypertension, smoking, obesity, and any other factors that contribute to cerebrovascular disease Traumatic Brain Injury can result in cognitive impairment such as difficulty concentrating and slowed processing substance/medication induced neurocognitive disorder usually due to a lifetime of heavy drug use such as alcohol abuse this may result in the individual having severe problems with concentration as well as some motor problems prion disease caused by transmissible agents called prions example: Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: "mad cow disease" very rare in humans 1 49 transmission can occur by corneal transplantation, injection, and physical contact with contaminated matter AIDS a number of individuals with an HIV infection have a neurocognitive disorder that is tied to this disease approximately 25% of individuals with HIV have symptoms for at least a mild neurocognitive disorder Alzheimer's disease most common it's a variety of dementias a progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and, finally, physical functioning beginning stage of Alzheimer's disease memory begins to decline forgetting names and words trouble with some activities altered mood social withdrawal depression middle stage of Alzheimer's disease compromised independence 1 50 forgets names of family members gait problems (problems interpreting visual stimuli) personality changes end stage Alzheimer's disease unable to speak, eat, walk unable to engage in daily activities More on Alzheimer's the length of time it takes to reach the final stage varies for some, it's a more rapid decline of a few years for others, it takes 15 years women typically live longer with the disease AD continued the brain shrinks as the disease kills neurons (brain cells) amyloid plaques disrupt normal communication between neurons; AD is thought to be at least partly attributed to problems processing beta-amyloid neurofibrillary tangles are formed when threads in the tau protein twist and tangle, which disrupts the brain's ability to transport necessary nutrients throughout the brain deficiency of acetylcholine current research on Alzheimer's continued genetic research 1 51 role of inflammation, heart disease, stroke, and high bp plaques and tangles more likely to trigger symptoms if heart disease is present older African-Americans and Latino Americans at greater risk Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease fMRI psychologist/psychiatrist to screen for mental health nurse to screen for physical health social worker to assess memory functioning 3 theories of aging disengagement theory activity theory selective optimization with compensation theory disengagement theory older adults should withdraw from society in order to prepare for death late adulthood is a time for decreasing social interaction older adults would be most satisfied in life if they didn't overly concern themselves with society in their declining years activity theory the more active an older adult is, the more satisfied in life they will be early retirement and low physical activity levels can be detrimental 1 52 older adults need to be more creative in considering ways to maintain an active social life selective optimization with compensation successful aging is linked with 3 main factors: selection, optimization, and compensation older adults need to be more selective in what they choose to do optimization involves maintaining what you can through practice, even if there are declines in other areas compensation occurs when an older adult simply cannot function as they used to and must learn to compensate accordingly past definitions of death cessation of all bodily processes stopped heartbeat stopped breath brain death a diagnosis of death based on the cessation of all signs of brain activity (including brain stem) Kubler-Ross Her theory proposes that the terminally ill pass through a sequence of 5 stages: 1. denial 2. anger/resentment 1 53 3. bargaining 4. depression 5. acceptance denial when one hears the diagnosis of a terminal illness, denial may be common anger one may feel thwarted and robbed of life bargaining the individual may bargain with God, doctors, friends, and family to try and get extra time depression a natural result to feeling there is nothing one can do to change one's life circumstance acceptance may occur only at the end (if at all) for some people; characterized by feelings of peace Kubler-Ross continued stages are not fixed 1 54 one doesn't have to go through them in order you can skip over stages the best way to view these stages is as a coping strategy rather than a 5-stage theory there may be additional stages for some people depending on their particular circumstances euthanasia painlessly killing or permitting the death of someone who is severely injured or sick can be active: an agent (doctor) administers something for death can be passive: and agent does not permit life-sustaining measures) hospice very comprehensive program of services for the terminally ill, as well as their families may be at home or outpatient services include: treating physical needs, such as nausea or pain, and addressing social and spiritual needs palliative care comfort care; the emphasis is on comfort rather than cure, on enhancing the quality of life rather than prolonging it can be used for patient groups beyond those experiencing a terminal illness can be for anyone living with a serious illness can include a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and nutritionist can be at hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient, or in patients' home 1 55 grief the internal psychological reaction to a loss. Grief is a normal and natural response to losing someone or something close to you aspects include: sadness, anxiety, and anger every person's particular grief response is unique to them universal, yet individual many types of grief (shame and stigma) anticipatory grief there is no timetable mourning external behaviors undertaken for grief strongly culturally determined cry, spend time alone, spend time with family, wearing black clothing, etc. important things for grief/mourning it's important for those in the helping professions to be familiar with the psychological reactions to loss we all experience loss and are around others that have too being prepared to understand one's own feelings in advance can be very helpful for healthy coping behaviors can also prepare us to provide loving care and concern towards others overall theme 1 56 understanding and supporting the whole person, their physical and psychological needs and how they intertwine is important T/F in most modern industrialized societies, death is defined as the cessation of higher cortical processes false T/F trouble with remembering to pay monthly bills (when this was not a problem before) is a warning sign of Alzheimer's disease true what is the difference between a normal age-related change that involves forgetting a name versus someone in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease A. memory differences are identical with age-related changes and Alzheimer-related changes B. people with Alzheimer's disease cannot remember anything C. the individual remembers the name later if it is a normal, age-related change C. the individual remembers the name later if it is