Alzheimer's Quiz: Can You Stage The Decline?

1. In early-stage Alzheimer's disease, a patient reports difficulty remembering recent conversations. This reflects impairment in which type of memory?

Procedural memory

Declarative memory

Remote memory

Implicit memory

2. A nurse educates family members about early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. Which sign warrants evaluation?

Occasional forgetfulness about dates

Persistent difficulty with familiar tasks and disorientation to time

Normal age-related memory changes

Forgetting a person's name occasionally

3. Which brain protein accumulation is associated with tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease?

Neurofibrillary tangles

Lewy bodies

Hirano bodies

Alpha-synuclein

4. A caregiver asks about expected life expectancy after Alzheimer's diagnosis. What is the typical progression timeline?

6 months to 1 year

3-10 years

15-20 years

Indefinite with no progression

5. Which biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is decreased in Alzheimer's disease?

Amyloid-beta 42

Glucose

Protein

White blood cells

6. In late-stage Alzheimer's disease, a patient loses the ability to swallow safely. What is the primary nursing concern?

Aspiration risk

Hyperactivity

Memory loss

Verbal communication

7. Which lifestyle modification has the strongest evidence for reducing Alzheimer's disease risk?

Cognitive engagement and physical exercise

High-fat diet

Social isolation

Sleep deprivation

8. The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) score of 10-20 indicates which stage of Alzheimer's disease?

Early stage

Middle stage

Late stage

Preclinical stage

9. A patient with moderate Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated and aggressive. Which nursing approach is most therapeutic?

Restrain the patient immediately

Use calm communication and identify triggers

Administer high-dose antipsychotics

Argue with the patient to correct behavior

10. Which neuroimaging finding is most specific for Alzheimer's disease?

Cerebral atrophy in the hippocampus and temporal lobe

Subdural hematoma

Acute stroke

Tumor in the frontal lobe

11. Which brain region shows the earliest pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease?

Hippocampus

Cerebellum

Occipital lobe

Temporal lobe

12. Which apolipoprotein genotype is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease?

ApoE2

ApoE3

ApoE4

ApoE5

13. A nurse is caring for a patient with moderate Alzheimer's disease who exhibits sundowning. What is the best intervention?

Increase physical activity in the evening

Maintain a calm, structured environment with adequate lighting

Administer sedatives routinely

Isolate the patient in a quiet, dark room

14. Which medication class is used to slow cognitive decline in early-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease?

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Beta-blockers

Benzodiazepines

Antipsychotics

15. The Mini-Cog assessment is used to screen for cognitive impairment. How many minutes does it take to administer?

3-5 minutes

10-15 minutes

20-30 minutes

45-60 minutes

16. A patient in the late stage of Alzheimer's disease requires total care. Which finding is expected?

Mild forgetfulness

Loss of speech and physical function

Occasional confusion

Difficulty finding words

17. Which cognitive domain is typically affected first in Alzheimer's disease?

Attention

Short-term memory

Language

Visuospatial skills

18. During the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease, a patient exhibits increased confusion and behavioral changes. How long does this stage typically last?

2-4 years

5-10 years

1-2 years

10-15 years

19. What is the primary pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease?

Amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles