Q&A Hero

Q: The most common form of cardiovascular disease is a. stroke. b. atheromatous disease. c. coronary heart disease. d. hypertensive aneurysm. e. congestive heart failure.

Q: What is the term given to the accumulation of lipid material mixed with smooth muscle cells and calcium that develops in the artery walls? a. Plaques b. Angina streaks c. Arterial thickening d. Pre-thromboemboli e. Lipid tangles

Q: Which of the following risk factors for disease may be modified by diet? a. Age b. Gender c. Heredity d. Low HDL level e. Race

Q: Of the ten leading causes of illness and death, how many are associated directly with nutrition? a. one b. two c. four d. five e. eight

Q: What is the role of omega-3 fatty acids in immune functioning? a. Maintain healthy skin and other epithelial tissues as barriers to infection. b. Regulate T-cell responses. c. Help to resolve inflammation when it is no longer needed for the immune response. d. Participate in antibody production. e. Helps maintain an effective immune response.

Q: Which of the following is a feature of AIDS? a. It has no cure. b. Its prevention depends on good nutrition. c. It cannot pass from mother to infant during breastfeeding. d. It is among the 10 leading causes of death in the United States. e. There has been very limited progress made in finding effective treatments.

Q: The immune system treats foreign substances such as bacteria and toxins as a. antigens. b. antibodies. c. antitoxins. d. immunoglobulins. e. symbionts.

Q: The process by which immune cells engulf and then destroy bacteria is known as a. bactocytosis. b. phagocytosis. c. cytotoxicosis. d. immunoglobinemia. e. immunocytosis.

Q: Immunoglobulins are produced primarily by a. T-cells. b. B-cells. c. antigens. d. phagocytes. e. NK-cells.

Q: What are cytokines? a. Scavengers of the immune system b. Specialized antibodies that retain B-cell memory c. Specialized proteins that activate responses to infection d. Highly specific cells that attack only one type of antigen e. Lymphocytes that produce antibodies

Q: Why are the elderly especially vulnerable to adverse drug-nutrient interactions?

Q: What are the risk factors for malnutrition in older results?

Q: List 5 common signs of dementia, and define senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

Q: Define the condition known as gout and discuss dietary interventions.

Q: Explain the relationship between diet and arthritis treatment.

Q: Discuss the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Q: How does atrophic gastritis interfere with nutritional status in the elderly?

Q: List the factors that increase the risk for vitamin B12 and iron deficiency in older adults.

Q: Discuss the role of tooth loss and gum disease in maintenance of nutritional status.

Q: Define sarcopenia and describe risk factors and treatment.

Q: Give several reasons for the decline in nutritional status consequent to aging.

Q: Describe the effects of energy restriction on longevity of animals and people.

Q: How do the elderly respond to strength training?

Q: Compare and contrast the meaning of a person’s physiological age versus chronological age.

Q: List six major lifestyle behaviors thought to promote long-term health.

Q: a. 5 k. Purines b. 13 l. Vitamin B12 c. 33 m. Tetracycline d. 50 n. Acetylcholine e. Energy o. Osteoarthritis f. Cataracts p. Grapefruit juice g. Vitamin D q. Atrophic gastritis h. Dysphagia r. Hydrochloric acid i. Beta-amyloid s. Omega-3 fatty acids j. Sarcopenia t. Rheumatoid arthritis 1)Number of people per 100 in the U.S. population who are at least 65 years old 2)Dietary restriction of this extends lifespan in animals 3)Loss of muscle mass 4)Percentage of people over age 60 with atrophic gastritis 5)Term that describes difficulty swallowing 6)A condition characterized, in part, by an inflamed stomach and abundant bacteria 7)Lack of this substance is a symptom of atrophic gastritis 8)Stomach bacterial utilization of this nutrient increases risk for deficiency 9)Compounds of nitrogen-containing bases such as adenine, guanine, and caffeine 10)Percent decline per decade in energy needs from age 50 and on 11)Low intake of milk by elderly people contributes to deficiency of this nutrient 12)Thickening of the eye lenses that occurs with aging 13)Type of arthritis resulting in deterioration of joint cartilage 14)Nutrient that may reduce inflammation of rheumatoid arthritic joints 15)Type of arthritis involving a defective immune system 16)Percentage of U.S. adults age 85 years and older with Alzheimer€s disease 17)Substance that is essential to the memory process 18)Substance found in the brains of people with Alzheimer€s disease 19)Intake of this substance along with milk reduces calcium absorption 20)Intake of this substance interferes with utilization of many cardiovascular and central nervous system drugs

Q: The medical term for a person who lacks teeth is ____________________.

Q: Difficulty swallowing is called ____________________.

Q: The combination of an inefficient and overactive response in aging-known as "____________________"-results in a chronic inflammation that accompanies frailty, illness, and death .

Q: The medical term for loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and quality is ____________________.

Q: Any threat to a person’s well-being or a demand placed on the body to adapt is referred to as ____________________.

Q: ____________________ are damage to the skin and underlying tissues as a result of compression and poor circulation.

Q: ____________________ is a person’s age as estimated from her or his body’s health and probable life expectancy.

Q: ____________________ is a person's perceived physical and mental well-being.

Q: ____________________ is the maximum number of years of life attainable by a member of a species.

Q: ____________________ is the average number of years lived by people in a given society.

Q: What ingredient commonly used as an additive in liquid medicines often causes diarrhea? a. Sorbitol b. Maltose c. Saccharin d. Aspartame e. Lactulose

Q: Which of the following foods in particular must be restricted in the diet of a person taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor drug? a. Red meat b. Aged cheeses c. Fresh fish d. Cruciferous vegetables e. Chocolate

Q: Your father was recently prescribed an anticoagulant medicine and was surprised that the doctor advised him to maintain consumption of consistent amounts of green leafy vegetables every day. You inform your father that a. these vegetables significantly reduce absorption of the drug. b. these vegetables significantly increase absorption of the drug. c. variable intake of green leafy vegetables will affect activity of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. d. inconsistent intakes of green leafy vegetables will interfere with the regular action of the drug. e. he is confused - green leafy vegetable intake is unrelated to anticoagulant action.

Q: Which of the following is a feature of warfarin use and vitamin K utilization? a. Warfarin blocks vitamin K absorption. b. Orange juice intake interferes with warfarin€s effects on vitamin K. c. Dietary vitamin K intake determines the amount of warfarin prescribed. d. The tyramine content of aged meats interferes with binding of vitamin K to warfarin. e. Vitamin K can dangerously potentiate warfarin's anticlotting actions.

Q: What is a common side effect from taking certain prescription drugs and consuming grapefruit juice? a. A metallic taste in the mouth appears. b. Blood concentrations of the drugs increase. c. The bioavailability of the drugs falls substantially. d. The bioflavonoids in the juice bind to the drugs and promote formation of uric acid crystals. e. Absorption is greatly reduced.

Q: What nutrient is known to interfere significantly with the utilization of the antibiotic tetracycline? a. EPA b. Zinc c. Calcium d. Vitamin B12 e. Sodium

Q: What is the primary action of the medication megestrol acetate? a. It relieves depression. b. It promotes weight loss. c. It promotes weight gain. d. It lowers blood pressure. e. It is used to treat moderate dementia.

Q: What are the known consequences of taking a single two-tablet dose of aspirin? a. It inhibits monoamine oxidase activity. b. It doubles the bleeding time of wounds. c. It increases production of prostaglandins that enhance fever. d. It is excreted very rapidly in people taking vitamin C supplements. e. In it insufficient to reduce risk of heart attack in at-risk individuals.

Q: How does aspirin reduce inflammation and pain? a. It acts as a sedative and barbiturate. b. It promotes wound healing and blood clotting. c. It interferes with the synthesis of prostaglandins. d. It binds to nerve receptors involved in pain perception. e. It stimulates endorphin release.

Q: What percentage of all prescription drugs sold in the United States is taken by people over 65 years of age? a. 10 b. 20 c. 30 d. 40 e. 50

Q: Which of the following would be the most effective substitute for fresh milk for the elderly person living alone? a. UHT milk b. Low-cost expired milk c. Calcium carbonate tablets d. Greens with highly bioavailable calcium e. Sweetened condensed milk

Q: Which of the following is a program that provides low-income older adults with coupons that are exchangeable for fresh vegetables and fruits at community-supported farmers' markets and roadside stands? a. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program b. Food Security for the Disadvantaged Elderly c. Old Age and Survivors Health Benefits Program d. Elderly Nutrition and Maintenance Food Co-Op e. Eldercare Food Assistance

Q: Which of the following is true of food assistance programs for older Americans? a. Persons aged 70 and older are eligible. b. There are no income limits for eligibility. c. Meals on Wheels is generally preferred to congregate meals. d. Meals on Wheels requires that individuals be permanently disabled in order to receive meals. e. Congregate meals and Meals on Wheels are funded by the Social Security Administration.

Q: What is a congregate meal? a. A meal provided for the elderly in a place such as a community center b. A meal prepared for the elderly that meets one-third of the Dietary Recommended Intakes c. A meal prepared for disadvantaged people of all ages to encourage communal gathering of diverse population groups d. A meal provided through the Nutrition Screening Initiative for the elderly and served primarily to church congregations e. A meal prepared by a community organization and delivered to home-bound individuals where they live

Q: Which of the following is a feature of food choices and eating habits of older people? a. The quality of life among older people has not improved since 1995. b. Older people spend less money on foods to eat at home than younger people. c. People over 65 are less likely to diet to lose weight than are younger people. d. Most older people think of themselves as generally unhappy and in poor health. e. Older people tend to be adventuresome eaters who enjoy breaking away from traditional foods.

Q: What is the main reason for dieting in the elderly? a. To economize when food prices increase b. To improve appearance among their peers c. To pursue a medical goal such as reducing blood glucose d. To reduce risks for development of atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia e. Unintentionally, as a result of depression or dementia

Q: Approximately what percentage of U.S. adults are affected by Alzheimer’s disease after age 65? a. 1 b. 5 c. 12 d. 33 e. 50

Q: Which of the following is thought to promote the development of brain senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles? a. Oxidative stress b. Excess acetylcholine c. Dietary deficiency of choline d. Low blood levels of homocysteine e. Inability to adequately metabolize protein

Q: Which of the following is a characteristic of alcohol use in the elderly? a. Binge drinking is more frequent in the elderly than in younger persons. b. The proportion of binge drinkers in greater in the elderly than any other age group. c. In elderly individuals, unlike in younger individuals, alcohol use is not associated with other risky behavior such as illicit drug use. d. Alcohol withdrawal is much more difficult for older persons than for younger persons. e. Elderly individuals are rarely successfully treated for alcohol abuse and dependence.

Q: What is thought to be the most important nutrition concern for people with Alzheimer’s disease? a. Maintenance of appropriate body weight b. Ensuring adequate intakes of antioxidant nutrients and DHA c. Monitoring intake of medications that may interfere with nutrient bioavailability d. Treatment for iron overload to prevent formation of new neurofibrillary tangles e. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements appropriate for dementia treatment

Q: What disorder is associated with the body's breakdown of purines? a. Gout b. Dysphagia c. Sarcopenia d. Senile dementia e. Macular degeneration

Q: Which of the following types of diets has been shown to prevent or reduce arthritis inflammation? a. High in simple sugars, low in canned fruit b. High in animal protein, low in canned fruit c. Low in polyunsaturated fat, high in oleic acid d. Low in saturated fat, high in omega-3 fatty acids e. High in animal protein and both omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid

Q: Which of the following foods seems to relieve rheumatoid arthritis in some people? a. Milk b. Olive oil c. Iodized salt d. Refined cereals e. Beef and pork

Q: What organ is affected by macular degeneration? a. Bone b. Eyes c. Liver d. Kidneys e. Spinal cord

Q: What proportion of persons in the U.S., age 65 and older, have a cataract? a. About 1 in 50 b. About 1 in 20 c. About 1 in 10 d. About 1 in 5 e. More than half

Q: What are the thickenings that occur to the lenses of the eye, thereby affecting vision, especially in the elderly? a. Retinitis b. Keratoids c. Cataracts d. Rhodolipids e. Glaucoma

Q: Which of the following is a characteristic of nutrition and cataract formation? a. Obese and lean people have the same risk for cataracts. b. Adequate intakes of biotin and inositol seem to delay the onset of cataract formation. c. Nutrition seems to play little, if any, role in the onset of cataracts. d. Vitamin C supplements in doses of 1,000 mg for several years appear to raise the risk for cataracts. e. Antioxidant supplements appear to slow the progression of cataracts.

Q: Which of the following is a feature of zinc nutrition in the elderly? a. Zinc intake is insufficient in older people. b. Excess zinc from supplements blunts the taste buds. c. Zinc deficiency stimulates the appetite for high-fat foods. d. Most medications affect zinc excretion but not absorption. e. Excess zinc increases the risk of pneumonia.

Q: A condition that increases the likelihood of iron deficiency in older people is a. lack of intrinsic factor. b. loss of iron due to menopause. c. blood loss from yearly physical testing procedures. d. poor iron absorption due to reduced stomach acid secretion and/or use of antacids. e. the body’s need for iron increases well into old age.

Q: Which of the following statements describes one aspect of mineral nutrition of older adults? a. Zinc intake is adequate for about 95% of this group. b. Iron absorption is reduced due to low stomach acidity. c. Calcium intakes of females are near the RDA for this group. d. Calcium allowances for this group have recently been increased by the Committee on Dietary Reference Intakes. e. Folate excesses are fairly common.

Q: Which of the following is a feature of calcium nutrition in the elderly? a. The DRI is 800-1000 mg. b. Calcium intakes are well below recommendations. c. Calcium supplements are not effective sources of calcium due to poor digestibility. d. Calcium from food is not well absorbed due to the intake of calcium-binding laxatives. e. An elderly individual who lacks sufficient calcium stores can rarely be helped by supplementation.

Q: Which of the following is a feature of vitamin D nutrition in the elderly? a. Most elderly receive near-RDA amounts of the vitamin. b. Aging reduces the kidneys’ ability to convert vitamin D to its active form. c. The RDA for vitamin D in the elderly is lower due to less excretion by the kidneys. d. Most elderly rely primarily on self-synthesis of the vitamin due to their greater time spent outdoors. e. Elderly individuals need at least 40 micrograms per day.

Q: Which of the following is a research finding on vitamin D nutrition in the elderly? a. Self-synthesis capacity is high. b. The skin’s capacity to synthesize the vitamin is reduced. c. The presence of atrophic gastritis reduces bioavailability of the vitamin. d. Symptoms of deficiency include dermatitis and diminished taste acuity. e. Deficiency is rarely a problem.

Q: Adults aged 71 and older who engage in minimal outdoor activity need ____ micrograms of vitamin D daily. a. 15 b. 20 c. 25 d. 30 e. 35

Q: What percentage of older adults live in poverty? a. 7 b. 9 c. 11 d. 13 e. 15

Q: What is the minimum number of glasses of water per day recommended for older adults? a. 4 b. 6 c. 8 d. 10 e. 12

Q: Which of the following is a feature of elderly people and water metabolism? a. They may not feel thirsty or recognize dryness of the mouth. b. They have a higher total body water content compared with younger adults. c. They show increased frequency of urination, which results in higher requirements. d. They frequently show symptoms of overhydration such as mental lapses and disorientation. e. Overhydration increases risk of pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections.

Q: Which of the following describes the nutrient needs of older people? a. They vary according to individual histories. b. They remain the same as in young adult life. c. They increase; therefore, supplementation is required. d. They decrease for vitamins and minerals due to changes in body composition. e. They rarely change from middle-age onward.

Q: Approximately what percentage decline in total energy expenditure is seen in a 70 year old versus a 30 year old? a. 2 b. 10 c. 20 d. 30 e. 40

Q: Approximately what percentage decline in basal metabolism is seen in an 80-year-old person compared with a 40-year-old? a. 1-2 b. 2-4 c. 4-8 d. 8-16 e. 16-24

Q: A person with a pressure ulcer has damage to her a. skin. b. colon. c. mouth. d. stomach. e. small intestine.

Q: The calcium Dietary Reference Intake for women 50 and older is a. 800 mg. b. 1000 mg. c. 1200 mg. d. 1400 mg. e. 1600 mg.

Q: The evidence from studies to date shows that nutritional interventions designed to relieve depression a. may or may not be effective. b. are mildly effective. c. are moderately effective. d. are greatly effective. e. may worsen depression in very old individuals.

Q: What fraction of eligible seniors participate in the SNAP? a. 1/4 b. 1/3 c. 1/2 d. 2/3 e. 3/4