PSYC 140 MODULE 8 EXAM - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 05/12/2026
PSYC 140 MODULE 8 EXAM - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
(A+ GRADED), Exams of Psychology
Module Question: Compare and contrast primary and secondary aging.
Primary aging is biological and genetically influenced. Secondary aging is aging that is caused by
lifestyle and the environment.
Primary aging is biological aging caused by genes, this aging is unavoidable, while Secondary aging is
not inevitable and is mostly cause by our lifes choices and the environment.
Module question: What are some logical and scientific problems with the "wear and tear" theory of
aging?
The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances. Also, individuals who
engage in moderate to vigorous exercise and activity are typically healthier and longer-lived
compared to more sedentary individuals.
Module Question: What are some current explanations for why we age biologically?
Specific genes seem to be at least partly responsible for longevity as well as the age at which
noticeable physical changes occur in aging. Other genetic theories consider cumulative effects that
damage DNA and therefore result in aging.
Module question: Describe three subtypes of neurocognitive disorders discussed in this module.
Choose three of the following:
-Parkinson's Disease: may cause a neurocognitive disorder. Symptoms include anxiety, depression,
hallucinations, and personality changes.
-Cognitive declines due to Vascular Disease: are due to a cerebrovascular event such as a stroke. Risk
5/12/2026
factors include hypertension, smoking, obesity and any factors that contribute to cerebrovascular
disease.
1
, PSYC 140 MODULE 8 EXAM - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 05/12/2026
-A Traumatic brain injury: (which involves trauma to the brain from impact to the head, paired with a
number of symptoms such as loss of consciousness or amnesia) can result in cognitive impairment
such as difficulty concentrating and slowed processing.
-Substance/medication induced neurocognitive disorder: is due to usually a lifetime of heavy drug use
such as alcohol abuse. This may result in the individual having severe problems with concentrating as
well as some motor problems.
-A Prion disease: is caused by transmissible agents called prions. For example, a form of Creutzfeldt-
Jakob disease is known as "mad cow disease." In humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is very rare.
While the precise process for developing a prion disease is not well understood, research indicates
that transmission can occur by corneal transplantation, injection, and possibly physical contacted with
contaminated matter.
-A number of individuals with an HIV Infection have a neurocognitive disorder that is tied to this
disease. Approximately 25% of individuals with HIV have symptoms for at least a mild neurocognitive
disorder.
-Alzheimer's disease: (named after the discoverer, Dr. Alzheimer) is the most common type of
dementia (60% of cases)
Module question: Summarize what the progression of Alzheimer's disease often looks like, being sure to
incorporate the three time points in your summary.
Early stages: problems with declarative memory and language. Social activities, daily activities, and
mood may be affected. Middle stages: progressive memory deterioration and problems with common
words and names. Problems with self-care. May have spatial reasoning difficulties and may be
unaware of the year/month/current location. Final stages: completely unable to care for self.
Module question: Your grandmother is concerned that she might have Alzheimer's disease. What is your
response to her based on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease linked in this module?
I would tell my grandma that it's natural to worry about Alzheimer's, I would also reassure her that
memory changes are common with aging, but it's important to distinguish between typical age-
related changes and those that might signal something more serious, like Alzheimer's. For example,
while it's normal to occasionally forget names or appointments and later remember them, persistent
memory loss that disrupts daily life—such as forgetting recently learned information or asking the
same questions repeatedly—could be a sign of Alzheimer's. Other warning signs to be aware of
5/12/2026
include difficulty with planning or solving problems, confusion about time or place, trouble
understanding visual images, or problems with speaking and writing. If she is experiencing any of
2
, PSYC 140 MODULE 8 EXAM - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 05/12/2026
these symptoms, it's important to talk to a doctor. Early detection can help with symptom
management and maintaining independence for as long as possible.
Module question: Summarize current findings regarding what causes AD.
Research has ruled out many environmental substances (for example, aluminum and aspartame) as
primary causes of AD. However, the precise causes are still unknown. While amlyoid plaques and
neurofibrillay tangles characterize the brains of patients with AD (and contribute to neural death and
brain shrinkage), these abnormalities can also be observed in the brains of asymptomatic individuals.
This leads researchers to investigate still further for insight into why individuals may function so
differently with and without the presence of these abnormal brain structures.
Module question: Compare and contrast the three theories discussed in this section. What do you
personally think it means to age successfully?
Disengagement theory: older adults should withdraw from societal interaction to maintain life
satisfaction. Activity theory: the more active the older adult is, the better (if levels of interaction
decrease, they are often due to barriers that need to be overcome). Selective Optimization with
Compensation theory essentially says that older adults need to make the best of the resources they
have available, utilizing choice, practice, and creative strategies to carry on with activities despite
declining in some ways.
Compare and contrast Activity Theory and Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory. Be sure to
both "compare" and "contrast."
Activity theory is suggests that older individuals are happiest when they partake in an activity. These
activites can range from: painting, volunteering, or even playing a sport (e.g. tennis). Selective
Optimization with Compensation Theory suggests that as older individuals suffer from physical and
mental decrease, they try to become better at activities that they are already somewhat proficient in.
These theories are similar in that they both suggest that an activity allows for older individuals to gain
satisfaction. However, they are different in that one suggests taking up a new activity while the other
suggests getting better at an activity that the individual has previously done.
5/12/2026
Module question: How would you answer the question, "What is death?"
3
PSYC 140 MODULE 8 EXAM - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
(A+ GRADED), Exams of Psychology
Module Question: Compare and contrast primary and secondary aging.
Primary aging is biological and genetically influenced. Secondary aging is aging that is caused by
lifestyle and the environment.
Primary aging is biological aging caused by genes, this aging is unavoidable, while Secondary aging is
not inevitable and is mostly cause by our lifes choices and the environment.
Module question: What are some logical and scientific problems with the "wear and tear" theory of
aging?
The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances. Also, individuals who
engage in moderate to vigorous exercise and activity are typically healthier and longer-lived
compared to more sedentary individuals.
Module Question: What are some current explanations for why we age biologically?
Specific genes seem to be at least partly responsible for longevity as well as the age at which
noticeable physical changes occur in aging. Other genetic theories consider cumulative effects that
damage DNA and therefore result in aging.
Module question: Describe three subtypes of neurocognitive disorders discussed in this module.
Choose three of the following:
-Parkinson's Disease: may cause a neurocognitive disorder. Symptoms include anxiety, depression,
hallucinations, and personality changes.
-Cognitive declines due to Vascular Disease: are due to a cerebrovascular event such as a stroke. Risk
5/12/2026
factors include hypertension, smoking, obesity and any factors that contribute to cerebrovascular
disease.
1
, PSYC 140 MODULE 8 EXAM - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 05/12/2026
-A Traumatic brain injury: (which involves trauma to the brain from impact to the head, paired with a
number of symptoms such as loss of consciousness or amnesia) can result in cognitive impairment
such as difficulty concentrating and slowed processing.
-Substance/medication induced neurocognitive disorder: is due to usually a lifetime of heavy drug use
such as alcohol abuse. This may result in the individual having severe problems with concentrating as
well as some motor problems.
-A Prion disease: is caused by transmissible agents called prions. For example, a form of Creutzfeldt-
Jakob disease is known as "mad cow disease." In humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is very rare.
While the precise process for developing a prion disease is not well understood, research indicates
that transmission can occur by corneal transplantation, injection, and possibly physical contacted with
contaminated matter.
-A number of individuals with an HIV Infection have a neurocognitive disorder that is tied to this
disease. Approximately 25% of individuals with HIV have symptoms for at least a mild neurocognitive
disorder.
-Alzheimer's disease: (named after the discoverer, Dr. Alzheimer) is the most common type of
dementia (60% of cases)
Module question: Summarize what the progression of Alzheimer's disease often looks like, being sure to
incorporate the three time points in your summary.
Early stages: problems with declarative memory and language. Social activities, daily activities, and
mood may be affected. Middle stages: progressive memory deterioration and problems with common
words and names. Problems with self-care. May have spatial reasoning difficulties and may be
unaware of the year/month/current location. Final stages: completely unable to care for self.
Module question: Your grandmother is concerned that she might have Alzheimer's disease. What is your
response to her based on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease linked in this module?
I would tell my grandma that it's natural to worry about Alzheimer's, I would also reassure her that
memory changes are common with aging, but it's important to distinguish between typical age-
related changes and those that might signal something more serious, like Alzheimer's. For example,
while it's normal to occasionally forget names or appointments and later remember them, persistent
memory loss that disrupts daily life—such as forgetting recently learned information or asking the
same questions repeatedly—could be a sign of Alzheimer's. Other warning signs to be aware of
5/12/2026
include difficulty with planning or solving problems, confusion about time or place, trouble
understanding visual images, or problems with speaking and writing. If she is experiencing any of
2
, PSYC 140 MODULE 8 EXAM - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 05/12/2026
these symptoms, it's important to talk to a doctor. Early detection can help with symptom
management and maintaining independence for as long as possible.
Module question: Summarize current findings regarding what causes AD.
Research has ruled out many environmental substances (for example, aluminum and aspartame) as
primary causes of AD. However, the precise causes are still unknown. While amlyoid plaques and
neurofibrillay tangles characterize the brains of patients with AD (and contribute to neural death and
brain shrinkage), these abnormalities can also be observed in the brains of asymptomatic individuals.
This leads researchers to investigate still further for insight into why individuals may function so
differently with and without the presence of these abnormal brain structures.
Module question: Compare and contrast the three theories discussed in this section. What do you
personally think it means to age successfully?
Disengagement theory: older adults should withdraw from societal interaction to maintain life
satisfaction. Activity theory: the more active the older adult is, the better (if levels of interaction
decrease, they are often due to barriers that need to be overcome). Selective Optimization with
Compensation theory essentially says that older adults need to make the best of the resources they
have available, utilizing choice, practice, and creative strategies to carry on with activities despite
declining in some ways.
Compare and contrast Activity Theory and Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory. Be sure to
both "compare" and "contrast."
Activity theory is suggests that older individuals are happiest when they partake in an activity. These
activites can range from: painting, volunteering, or even playing a sport (e.g. tennis). Selective
Optimization with Compensation Theory suggests that as older individuals suffer from physical and
mental decrease, they try to become better at activities that they are already somewhat proficient in.
These theories are similar in that they both suggest that an activity allows for older individuals to gain
satisfaction. However, they are different in that one suggests taking up a new activity while the other
suggests getting better at an activity that the individual has previously done.
5/12/2026
Module question: How would you answer the question, "What is death?"
3
