North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

In a neuro exam, what is a typical sign of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly?

1. Increased physical activity

2. Brain deterioration

3. Enhanced short-term memory

4. Improved spatial awareness

The correct answer is: Brain deterioration

A typical sign of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly is brain deterioration, specifically related to the loss of neurons and synapses in the brain. This deterioration can lead to a decline in cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. In Alzheimer's, the brain undergoes significant changes, including the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which disrupt communication between nerve cells and ultimately contribute to the symptoms of the disease. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, individuals often exhibit difficulties with memory, particularly with short-term memory and the ability to retain new information. This further aligns with the understanding that brain deterioration is a hallmark of Alzheimer's pathology, impacting the cognitive abilities of affected individuals over time. In contrast, other options such as increased physical activity, enhanced short-term memory, and improved spatial awareness do not typically align with the manifestations of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals may experience decreased physical activity due to cognitive decline, memory loss is a fundamental characteristic, and spatial awareness can also diminish as the disease progresses.