Question 1

Which of the following symptoms is a core feature of frontal-temporal dementia?&#10;A) Speech and language problems&#10;B) Visual hallucinations&#10;C) Confusion and disorientation&#10;D) Loss of balance and falls

Accepted Answer

Speech and language problems are a core feature of frontal-temporal dementia, along with behavioral changes and difficulty with executive functions such as planning and problem-solving. Visual hallucinations are more commonly associated with Lewy body dementia, confusion and disorientation are common in Alzheimer's disease, and loss of balance and falls are more common in Parkinson's disease dementia.

Question 2

In mild cognitive impairment there is likely to be&#10;A) Social and vocational disability&#10;B) Impairment of activities of daily living&#10;C) Deficits of memory&#10;D) Wandering and disorientation

Accepted Answer

Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by deficits in memory, specifically in the area of episodic memory (memory of events or personal experiences). Social and vocational disability, impairment of activities of daily living, wandering and disorientation are more commonly observed in moderate to severe dementia.

Question 3

Which of the following is classified as a subcortical dementia?&#10;A) Dementia of Alzheimer's type&#10;B) Dementia due to Pick's disease&#10;C) Dementia due to Parkinson's disease&#10;D) Dementia due to vascular dementia

Accepted Answer

Subcortical dementias are characterized by damage to the structures beneath the cerebral cortex, such as the basal ganglia and thalamus. Parkinson's disease is an example of a subcortical dementia as it primarily affects the basal ganglia, which leads to problems with movement and cognition. Dementia of Alzheimer's type and dementia due to Pick's disease are classified as cortical dementias as they primarily affect the cortex of the brain. Vascular dementia can affect both the cortex and subcortical areas depending on the location of the damage.

Question 4

Which of the following is known to be a risk for cognitive decline?&#10;A) Being a widow or widower&#10;B) Retirement or relocation&#10;C) Reduced income or increased expenses&#10;D) Loneliness and social isolation

Accepted Answer

Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia in numerous studies. Being a widow or widower, retirement or relocation, and reduced income or increased expenses can also be stressful and impact overall health, but they are not as directly linked to cognitive decline as social isolation.

Question 5

In the early stages of dementia, frontal-temporal dementia is more likely than Alzheimer's-type dementia to be characterized by&#10;A) Deficits in executive functioning&#10;B) Problems with memory&#10;C) Personality changes&#10;D) Losing things

Accepted Answer

Frontal-temporal dementia, in its early stages, is more likely to be characterized by personality changes. This is because it primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are areas associated with behavior, emotion, and personality.

Question 6

Regarding alcohol withdrawal delirium or delirium tremens, which of the following is true?&#10;A) Symptoms may include hypersomnia and lack of energy.&#10;B) Symptoms may include agitation and abnormal perceptions.&#10;C) Symptom onset often begins with elevated mood.&#10;D) Symptoms often begin within 12 hours of cessation of drinking.

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal delirium include agitation, abnormal perceptions, confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations. Hypersomnia and lack of energy are not typical symptoms. Symptom onset typically begins 48-72 hours after cessation of drinking, not within 12 hours. Elevated mood is also not a typical symptom, as alcohol withdrawal is characterized by dysphoria and irritability.

Question 7

The most significant finding that suggests a diagnosis of delirium is&#10;A) Rapid onset of symptoms that differ from baseline functioning&#10;B) Slow, progressive onset of symptoms that differ from baseline&#10;C) Difficulty in finding the right word to express an idea&#10;D) Delusions of grandiosity

Accepted Answer

Rapid onset of symptoms that differ from baseline functioning is a key characteristic of delirium. This differentiates it from dementia, which has a slow, progressive onset of symptoms. Difficulty in finding the right word to express an idea may be a symptom of cognitive impairment, but it is not specific to delirium. Delusions of grandiosity are more commonly associated with mania or other psychotic disorders.

Question 8

Among patients with dementia, early impairment of functioning is frequently seen in&#10;A) Managing finances&#10;B) Self-care deficits such as feeding themselves&#10;C) Limitations of physical activities&#10;D) Recognizing loved ones

Accepted Answer

Managing finances is often one of the first areas of impairment observed in patients with dementia. This task requires complex cognitive functions including memory, attention, and executive functions, which are typically affected in the early stages of dementia. Self-care deficits, limitations of physical activities, and difficulty recognizing loved ones tend to occur later in the disease progression.

Question 9

The neurotransmitters most widely accepted to be dysregulated in delirium are&#10;A) Norepinephrine and acetylcholine&#10;B) Norepinephrine and serotonin&#10;C) Serotonin and acetylcholine&#10;D) Dopamine and acetylcholine

Accepted Answer

Dopamine and acetylcholine are the neurotransmitters most widely accepted to be dysregulated in delirium, with an imbalance between the dopaminergic and cholinergic systems being a key factor in its pathophysiology.

Question 10

Medications that are frequently used for patients with dementia are&#10;A) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors&#10;B) Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors&#10;C) Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors&#10;D) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are commonly used in the treatment of dementia. They work by increasing the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, which can help to improve cognition and reduce symptoms such as confusion and forgetfulness. Examples include donepezil (Aricept) and rivastigmine (Exelon). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (A), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (B), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (D) are not commonly used in the treatment of dementia.

Deck 16: Delirium and Dementia