Deck 34: Mental Health Disorders

Question 1

The following are nutritional characteristics of the human brain EXCEPT:

A) intensive energy consumption
B) need for rich sources of n-3 fatty acids
C) the benefit of variety of phytonutrients
D) need for a high sodium intake
E) a narrow-recommended range of fat-soluble vitamin intakes

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which of the following statements about Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the possible role of diet in its prevention is FALSE?

A) Although AD is a leading cause of morbidity and premature death, food diversity can mitigate these outcomes.
B) Those at risk of AD should avoid using aluminium utensils because excessive ingestion of dietary aluminium can lead to AD.
C) Phytonutrients may protect against AD if they cross the blood-brain barrier.
D) The combination of a biodiverse Mediterranean diet and a DASH diet which includes low-fat dairy products reduces the risk of AD.
E) A higher energy throughput achievable by regular physical activity reduces the risk of AD.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Relationships between diet and mental health are evident by the following EXCEPT:

A) Children with severe iodine deficiency tend to be slow learners.
B) Blueberries are sometimes called 'brain food' because of their anthocyanin content.
C) A higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet in early adulthood is linked to better brain function in middle age.
D) In mice, which are nocturnal creatures, late-night snacks have a negative impact on learning and memory and, therefore, similar adverse effects may be found in humans.
E) Caffeine may temporarily stimulate performance, mood and alertness following sleep deprivation.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

That depression is associated with deficiencies of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) referred to as EPA and DHA is supported by the following EXCEPT:

A) Populations with a higher fish consumption have a lower prevalence of depression.
B) People with depression tend to have low EPA and DHA in red blood cells.
C) Mothers with a low DHA concentration in breastmilk are at risk of postpartum depression.
D) More suicide attempts in China are found among those with low EPA in red blood cells.
E) Increases in depression incidence might be explained by the extensive usage of n-6 PUFAs rich oils which increases DHA status in the brain.

Question 5

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is an important hormonal response system in stress. Which of the following statements about the HPA axis is FALSE?

A) The response to stress involves the hypothalamic release of corticotropin-releasing hormone/factor, pituitary release of adrenocorticotropic hormone and adrenal release of cortisol.
B) Through the HPA axis, cortisol prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response by releasing glucose into the bloodstream, supplying an immediate energy source for muscle.
C) The HPA axis is subject to positive and negative feedbacks from circulating cortisol in order to restore systemic homeostasis.
D) After exposure to chronic stress, dysregulation of the HPA axis can occur and result in increased energy intake and altered macronutrient selection, towards more high fat and high sugar foods.
E) Responses to stress do not require adrenergic responses via the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal medulla as well as the HPA axis.

Question 6

The following statements explain why the 'mind' is more than the brain EXCEPT that:

A) it is connected to the gut microbiome.
B) it integrates 'self' with the natural world.
C) it is key to food choice.
D) it is independent of food ecology
E) it captures the links between food, sleep and mood.

Question 7

The following can be said of the mind and its possible relationships with food EXCEPT:

A) The mind has multifaceted features as it comprises cognitive faculties including consciousness, imagination, perception, thinking, judgement, language and memory.
B) While the mind reflects brain health and function, it depends on multiple sensory inputs and is linked to other body systems and, through the gut-brain axis, to gut microbiota.
C) The MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, could reduce the risk of dementia and the age-related decline in brain health.
D) Older adults become dehydrated during heat waves because their brains and bodies do not coordinate sensory signals about thirst.
E) Vitamin B-12 deficiency can damage the myelin sheath that surrounds and protect nerves leading to peripheral neuropathy.

Question 8

What is circadian rhythm, and how can its disruption affect our food intake and general wellbeing?

Question 9

'Comfort food' consumption is considered a response to emotional stress. Give two examples of comfort food and describe their general characteristics that tend to be a key contributor to obesity.

Question 10

As the mind appears to connect with other body systems, list 5 characteristics of diets and behaviours that are favourable for a good state of mind.