Final answer:
Rosa's cognitive symptoms, including memory loss and language difficulties, combined with behavioral changes, were assessed through a series of medical evaluations. These symptoms and the results of her tests led to a diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's disease, characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosis of Rosa's Cognitive Symptoms
The case study presents a 78-year-old female, Rosa, with symptoms suggesting cognitive impairment, including memory loss, aphasia, apraxia, and disorientation while driving. These symptoms, in conjunction with difficulty managing finances, changes in mood and behavior, and problems with daily tasks, led to a diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). The diagnostic process included physical exams, cognitive tests, interviews, and brain scans to rule out other potential causes and confirm the presence of the characteristic molecular and cellular changes of AD, which include amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles leading to neuron loss.
Given that the question refers to the two major language areas when mentioning aphasia, it's likely referencing Broca's area, which is associated with expressive aphasia, or Wernicke's area, related to receptive aphasia. The scenario detailed matches more closely with receptive aphasia, suggesting that Wernicke's area may be affected. As for the question regarding changes in vision due to aging, myopia (nearsightedness) can decrease the need for reading glasses, as the nearsighted eye will still be able to focus on close objects despite presbyopia.
Rosa's cognitive rehabilitation could be supported by understanding psychosocial development and utilizing strategies such as cognitive therapy and environmental and nutritional adjustments. Social engagement and finding meaningful activities are important for maintaining mental health in aging adults based on theories by George Vaillant and Erik Erikson's stages of development.