Which of the following may indicate Alzheimer's disease?
Tremors and bradykinesia
Sudden onset of confusion
Visual hallucinations
Progressive memory loss and behavioral changes
The Correct Answer is D
A. Tremors and bradykinesia: These are the hallmark motor signs of Parkinson's disease, involving the depletion of dopamine in the basal ganglia. While late-stage Alzheimer's can involve motor changes, these are not the primary or defining clinical indicators. They suggest extrapyramidal pathology.
B. Sudden onset of confusion: This clinical presentation is characteristic of delirium, which is an acute, reversible state often triggered by infection or metabolic derangement. Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, insidious process. Sudden changes suggest a different, often systemic, medical etiology.
C. Visual hallucinations: While these can occur in various dementias, they are a core diagnostic feature of Lewy Body Dementia. In early Alzheimer's, hallucinations are relatively uncommon. The primary focus of Alzheimer's is typically cognitive and mnemonic rather than purely perceptual.
D. Progressive memory loss and behavioral changes: This disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, primarily affecting the hippocampus. It manifests as a gradual decline in short-term memory and executive function. This represents the classic neurodegenerative course.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Angina: This term describes paroxysmal chest pain caused by transient myocardial ischemia due to an imbalance in oxygen supply. It is a cardiovascular symptom unrelated to the act of deglutition. It typically occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress.
B. Aphasia: This is a neurological impairment of language processing that affects the ability to speak, write, or understand words. It results from damage to the cerebral cortex, such as Broca's or Wernicke's areas. It does not involve mechanical swallowing dysfunction.
C. Dyspnea: This is the subjective sensation of breathing discomfort or shortness of breath. It is associated with primary pulmonary or cardiac disorders affecting gas exchange or ventilation. It involves the respiratory system rather than the upper digestive tract.
D. Dysphagia: This is the medical term for impairment in the movement of a bolus from the mouth to the stomach. It can be oropharyngeal or esophageal in origin and may result from structural or neuromuscular disorders. It specifically denotes swallowing difficulty.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Frontal: This anterior region governs executive functions, motor control, and personality. It does not contain the primary sensory architecture for auditory perception. Damage here typically manifests as behavioral changes or motor deficits rather than hearing impairment.
B. Occipital: This posterior lobe is strictly dedicated to the processing of visual stimuli. It receives input from the lateral geniculate nucleus to interpret sight. It possesses no functional pathways for the reception or integration of acoustic information.
C. Temporal: The superior temporal gyrus contains the primary auditory cortex, which receives sensory input from the ears. This region is responsible for perceiving sound frequency and pitch. Injury to this area directly results in auditory processing deficits.
D. Parietal: This lobe is primarily responsible for integrating somatosensory information, including touch, pressure, and proprioception. While it assists in spatial awareness, it is not the primary site for hearing. It lacks the specialized auditory receptive fields.
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