Chapter 9

As you learned in previous chapters, an accumulation of damaged proteins might be a symptom of aging. Apply this theory to the aging brain and the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Include an explanation of why the \(\beta\)-sheet protein structure lends itself to the formation of protein aggregates such as amyloid plaque.

Name the three types of Alzheimer's disease. Which type(s) has/ have a strong genetic basis? Which type is the most common?

Consider the anatomical structure of an artery. Describe how age-related changes in the artery's architecture can result in changes in blood flow and pressure. Include fluid dynamics in your explanation.

Describe how coronary artery disease can lead to ventricular fibrillation and death.

Briefly state why prevalence may be better than mortality rate as a measure of cardiovascular disease.

The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made through an oral glucose tolerance test. Briefly describe the glucose tolerance test and the criteria used to establish type 2 diabetes. What are the criteria for impaired glucose tolerance without type 2 diabetes?

Relate an increase in AGEs to damage caused by type 2 diabetes.

Explain why preventive strategies for osteoporosis target young women (14-30 years old) rather than postmenopausal women.

Although declining bone mineral content seems to be a normal age-related event, the rate of loss is generally greater in postmenopausal women than in men of the same age. Explain why.