Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Alzheimer's Disease is classified as which type of condition?

1. A neurological disorder with no cognitive effects

2. A form of dementia associated with aging

3. A mental health disorder without biological causes

4. A temporary cognitive impairment due to stress

The correct answer is: A form of dementia associated with aging

Alzheimer's Disease is classified as a form of dementia associated with aging because it involves a progressive decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. It is one of the most common types of dementia, primarily occurring in older adults, although early-onset cases can arise in younger individuals. This classification highlights the relationship between Alzheimer's Disease and age, as the majority of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's are typically over the age of 65. Whether due to age-related changes in the brain or other risk factors, Alzheimer's manifests through symptoms that severely impact daily life and functioning. It is caused by various biological processes, including the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which disrupt normal brain activity. The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the nature of Alzheimer's Disease. For example, classifying it as a neurological disorder with no cognitive effects misrepresents the significant impact on cognitive health. Describing it as a mental health disorder without biological causes ignores the established neurobiological underpinnings of the disease. Finally, labeling it as a temporary cognitive impairment due to stress is misleading, as Alzheimer's is a chronic condition that progresses over time rather than something that is temporary or stress-induced.