Alzheimer's Quiz: Stages & Nursing Care

1. Which brain structure is primarily affected in early Alzheimer's disease, leading to memory loss?

Hippocampus

Cerebellum

Amygdala

Thalamus

2. What is the primary pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease in the brain?

Lewy bodies and tau tangles

Amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles

Cerebral infarcts

Inflammatory cytokine buildup only

3. In the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage, which cognitive domain is most commonly affected first?

Language production

Memory

Visuospatial skills

Executive function

4. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease?

Intact long-term memory and independent ADLs

Behavioral changes, wandering, and increased confusion

Complete loss of verbal communication

Minimal cognitive changes

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

Mild stage

Moderate stage

Severe stage

Normal cognition

6. Which medication class is most commonly used to slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease?

Beta-blockers

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Benzodiazepines

Statins

7. True or False: Sundowning (increased agitation in late afternoon/evening) is a common behavioral symptom in moderate Alzheimer's disease.

True

False

8. What is the primary nursing goal when managing wandering behavior in a patient with moderate Alzheimer's disease?

Restrain the patient with medications

Ensure safety while respecting autonomy

Isolate the patient in a locked room

Force the patient to sit continuously

9. Which intervention is most effective for reducing agitation and aggression in Alzheimer's patients?

Loud verbal redirection

Calm presence, validation, and environmental modification

Immediate physical restraints

Increased sedating medications

10. In severe-stage Alzheimer's disease, which of the following is typically lost?

Only short-term memory

Ability to communicate verbally and perform ADLs

Only visual perception

Emotional responses

11. Which caregiver support strategy is most important for reducing burnout in family members?

Requiring 24/7 care without breaks

Respite care and support groups

Minimizing professional help involvement

Isolating the caregiver from social contact

12. True or False: Advanced directives and end-of-life planning should be discussed in early stages of Alzheimer's disease when the patient can still participate.

True

False

13. Which of the following best describes the relationship between apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) and Alzheimer's disease risk?

APOE4 is protective against Alzheimer's

APOE4 is a genetic risk factor but not deterministic

APOE4 guarantees development of Alzheimer's

APOE4 has no known association

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15. Which cognitive screening tool is quick, validated, and commonly used in primary care to detect early Alzheimer's disease?

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

Beck Depression Inventory

Geriatric Depression Scale

Trail Making Test