Deck 8: Mental Health and Aging

Question 1

What is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

A) Lack of exercise
B) Poor diet
C) Age
D) Gender

Answer 1

C
The main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age. It is uncommon to have Alzheimer's disease at age 65 or younger, but after age 65, the risk doubles every 5 years. At age 85 and above, about 50% of people will have visible symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Question 2

Which of the following is true about the impact of brain games on Alzheimer's disease?

A) They reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.
B) They help a person's immediate performance on tasks related to the training itself, yet there is no evidence that the effects can be generalized to other areas of cognitive functioning in daily life.
C) They reduce the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
D) Neurobics (exercises for the brain) are the most effective brain game for reducing the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Answer 2

B
Brain games help a person's immediate performance on tasks related to the training itself, yet there is no evidence that the effects can be generalized to other areas of cognitive functioning in daily life. The problems with brain game research are the lack of equally engaging (and free) control group activities to compare the interventions with, and the lack of measuring real-world outcomes unrelated to a specific task in the brain game.

Question 3

Discuss some of the benefits of peer support for older adults.
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Answer 3

Growing older presents the challenge of coping with chronic conditions-either one's own or those of loved ones. A significant number of older adults are discovering the benefits of evidence-based peer counseling programs implemented by their fellow older adults, or peer mentoring programs. These free volunteer services may be vital to older adults who otherwise might not have access to evidence-based interventions with fees. More ubiquitous are the peer support groups that unite older adults with common health concerns so that they can share ideas and feelings, exchange practical information, and benefit from knowing they are not alone. In short, older adults attempt to help peers learn to live as fully as possible, despite the limitations that accrue with age.

Question 4

Review the causes and consequences of depression in later life.
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Question 5

What type of anxiety is expected to increase in prevalence among older adults as Vietnam veterans reach old age?

A) Phobia
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D) Posttraumatic stress disorder

Question 6

Which of the following is not considered emotional intelligence?

A) Emotional impulsivity
B) Regulating one's emotions
C) Managing relationships
D) Ability to compromise

Question 7

Which of the following does the mental health parity cover as part of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act?

A) Behavioral intervention coverage for mental, physical illness, substance use disorders, and alcohol use disorders
B) Equal coverage for mental, physical illness, substance use disorders, and alcohol use disorders
C) Equal coverage for mental and physical illness.

Question 8

Which of the following does the Social Readjustment Rating Scale measure?

A) Adjustment to aging
B) Optimal housing situation
C) Social supports
D) Stress

Question 9

Which of the following is the main reason older adult's experience stress?

A) Health problems
B) Tension in relationships
C) Overloaded by demands
D) Mental health problems

Question 10

Which of the following did George Vaillant conclude as part of the 60-year longitudinal Harvard Study of Adult Development?

A) Socioeconomic status was the main predictor of successful mental health and aging.
B) Race was the main predictor of successful mental health and aging.
C) Good mental health with aging, regardless of background, involved a capacity for gratitude, forgiveness, and love.
D) Good mental health with aging, regardless of background, involves symptom management and medication.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about life review is true?

A) It is a short therapy.
B) It can enhance the mental health of an older adult.
C) It needs to be conducted by a traditional mental health provider.
D) It is an expensive therapy.

Question 12

Describe the helper principle.
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Question 13

Which of the following statements about inadequate social support is true?

A) Most older adults become socially isolated with age.
B) Inadequate support among older adults is as bad for their health as smoking, poor diet, and inactivity.
C) Lack of social support can sometimes be healthy for older adults.
D) People feel lonely because they do not have social contact with other people.

Question 14

What is the definition of the placebo effect?

A) Dummy substance or treatment that is designed to look like the real thing
B) The effect of cognitive on emotion
C) Social and emotional support between peers
D) Brain's perception of mental stress

Question 15

Which of the following is a stereotype associated with older adults?

A) People can feel lonely even if they have social contact with other people.
B) Major later-life transitions, such as retirement and widowhood, prompt lower levels of social or emotional connectedness.
C) Most older adults do want to participate in community activities.
D) Older adults become socially isolated with age.