Question 1

For individuals with dementia,which of the following interventions has been demonstrated to improve quality of life?

Accepted Answer

Reducing the individual's feelings of embarrassment about the disorder can improve their quality of life by decreasing stress and anxiety associated with the condition. Providing medication may alleviate some symptoms but does not necessarily improve overall quality of life. Early institutional placement may not be preferred by the individual or their family and may decrease quality of life. Encouraging cessation of activities may lead to boredom and further decrease quality of life.

Question 2

Diagnosing depression in later life is difficult because:

Accepted Answer

Late-life depression may mimic symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss, difficulty with concentration and decision-making, and apathy. This can make it difficult to distinguish between depression and dementia, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

Question 3

Which of the following is a reversible cause of dementia?

Accepted Answer

A drug reaction is a reversible cause of dementia as stopping or changing the medication can improve cognitive function. Vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Lewy body disease are not reversible and may worsen over time.

Question 4

A form of memory that can be a powerful force for maintaining functional capacity in later stages of dementia is:

Accepted Answer

Procedural memory is a form of long-term memory that involves learning and remembering how to perform motor skills and procedures, such as tying shoelaces or playing an instrument. This type of memory is often well-preserved in individuals with dementia, even in later stages of the disease, and can be used to maintain functional ability and independence.

Question 5

Which is a true statement about understanding the subjective experience of individuals with dementia?

Accepted Answer

While some individuals with dementia may struggle to communicate their subjective experiences, research has shown that many individuals in the early and middle stages of dementia are still able to provide informative accounts of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Family members can also be helpful sources of information, but they may not always have a complete understanding of the individual's experience. Additionally, understanding an individual's subjective experience can be important in tailoring treatment approaches and improving their quality of life. Therefore, option D is the true statement about understanding the subjective experience of individuals with dementia.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT an emphasis of strength-based approaches to treating cognitive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Strength-based approaches focus on identifying and utilizing an individual's existing strengths and abilities to overcome cognitive deficits, rather than relying on physical capacity to substitute for cognitive demands. Therefore, enhancing physical capacity is not an emphasis of strength-based approaches.

Question 7

Which of the following is most likely a sign of normal cognitive aging rather than dementia?

Accepted Answer

Forgetting where you put your keys is a common memory lapse that can occur due to normal aging, while forgetting what your keys are for or using made-up words to substitute for them may signify more serious cognitive decline. Confusing the past with the present may also be a sign of dementia, as it can be related to problems with short-term memory or recall.

Question 8

The primary risk factor for developing vascular dementia is:

Accepted Answer

The primary risk factor for developing vascular dementia is a history of one or more strokes, which can cause blockages or damage to the blood vessels in the brain. Other risk factors may include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Family history, early childhood malnutrition, and exposure to toxic chemicals are not considered primary risk factors for vascular dementia.

Question 9

A factor that characterizes stroke more than dementia is:

Accepted Answer

Rapid onset without gradual decline is a distinguishing feature of stroke, while dementia is a more gradual decline in cognitive function. Choice A is not specific to stroke and can also be present in dementia. Choice B can be present in both stroke and dementia, but is not a distinguishing factor. Choice D is not relevant to either stroke or dementia.

Question 10

An important reason for careful diagnosis of dementia is that:

Accepted Answer

Some types of dementia are reversible or treatable with medication, such as those caused by nutritional deficiencies, infections, or medication reactions. Therefore, it is important to accurately diagnose the specific cause of dementia to determine if treatment is available.

Quiz 12: Cognitive and Emotional Function: Health Conditions