LSAT Explanation PT 35, S1, Q3: More women than men suffer from

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's summarize and analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses the higher occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in women compared to men. The argument presents a commonly attributed theory - that this discrepancy is due to women's longer life span - but suggests that this theory may be wrong. Instead, the argument introduces a new theory: the decrease in estrogen levels in women after menopause might be the reason for the higher occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in women. The passage also mentions that men's supply of testosterone, which is converted to estrogen and remains stable into old age, may help protect them against Alzheimer's disease.

The structure of the argument is as follows:

1. Premise: More women than men suffer from Alzheimer's disease.

2. Premise: The discrepancy has often been attributed to women's longer life span.

3. Conclusion: The theory attributing the discrepancy to women's longer life span may be wrong.

4. Premise: A recent study shows that prescribing estrogen to women after menopause may prevent Alzheimer's disease.

5. Premise: Men's supply of testosterone, which is converted to estrogen, may help safeguard them against Alzheimer's disease.

Now, let's discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is Main Conclusion, and we need to identify the main conclusion of the argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) A decrease in estrogen, rather than longer life span, may explain the higher occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in women relative to men.

This answer choice accurately captures the main conclusion of the argument, which is that the theory attributing the discrepancy to women's longer life span may be wrong, and the decrease in estrogen levels might be the reason for the higher occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in women. This is the correct answer.

b) As one gets older, one's chances of developing Alzheimer's disease increase.

This answer choice merely restates the background information given in the first sentence of the passage. It does not express the main conclusion of the argument.

c) Women who go through menopause earlier in life than do most other women have an increased risk of contracting Alzheimer's disease.

This answer choice introduces new information not discussed in the passage. The passage only talks about older women and men, not younger women going through menopause.

d) The conversion of testosterone into estrogen may help safeguard men from Alzheimer's disease.

This answer choice is true, but it is a premise (premise 5) rather than the main conclusion of the argument.

e) Testosterone is necessary for preventing Alzheimer's disease in older men.

This answer choice is extreme and not supported by the passage. The passage only suggests that testosterone may help protect men against Alzheimer's disease, not that it is necessary for prevention.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument.