Nature of Dementia
Diagnosis
Presenting Problems
Cultural Considerations
Counselling Strategies
100

What is another(newly classified) name for dementia?

a) Cognitive deficit

b) Neurocognitive disorder

c) Neurological disorder

d) None of the above

CORRECT ANSWER: B

The transition from "dementia" to "neurocognitive disorders" is intended to reduce stigma by emphasizing the decline from a previous level of functioning rather than viewing it solely as a deficit.

100

What is the strongest predictor for dementia? 

a) Gender

b) Socioeconomic status

c) Age

d) Ethnicity


CORRECT ANSWER: C

Age is the strongest predictor of dementia.

100

Which of the following is NOT a behavioral symptom commonly associated with dementia? 

a) Rapid pacing

b) Crying uncontrollably

c) Unprompted screaming

d) Obsessively shredding paper

CORRECT ANSWER: B

Crying uncontrollably is not a common behavioural symptom in people with dementia

100

What diagnostic criteria most heavily consider the role of cultural factors in the manifestation of dementia?

a) DSM-5-TR

b) ICD-SC (The International Dementia Society Criteria)

c) ICD-11

d) DSM-7-TR

CORRECT ANSWER: C

The ICD-11 considers cultural factors alongside diagnostic criteria

100

What is a common therapeutic intervention to improve the quality of life in both those with dementia and their caregivers?

a) Play therapy

b) Psychodynamic therapy

c) Acceptance and Commitment therapy

d) Reminiscence therapy

CORRECT ANSWER: D

Reminiscence therapy



200

Which of the following is the most common cause of dementia?

a) Lewy bodies dementia

b) Frontotemporal dementia

c) Alzheimer’s Disease

d) Multiple sclerosis 

CORRECT ANSWER: C

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia, contributing to the majority of cases worldwide

200

Males are more likely than females to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

a) True

b) False

CORRECT ANSWER: B

Females are more likely to develop AD (could be due to age - live longer, lifestyle)

200

According to research, what is a protective factor against verbal abuse for individuals with dementia? 

a) Fewer dementia symptoms 

b) Severe cognitive impairment 

c) Social isolation 

d) If they belong to an ethnic minority group

CORRECT ANSWER: A

Research suggests that having fewer dementia symptoms is a protective factor against verbal abuse in individuals with dementia.

200

Some cultural groups attribute the symptoms of dementia to spiritual and supernatural etiologies. 

a) True 

b) False

CORRECT ANSWER: True

In some cultures, many of the common symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss, are attributed to supernatural and spiritual origins.

200

Counselling can help cure dementia by reversing cognitive decline. 

a) True

b) False 

CORRECT ANSWER:  B

False. Dementia cannot be cured; therefore, interventions focus instead on improving quality of life

400

What is the prevalence rate of dementia in seniors living within Canada?

a) 5.5%

b) 2.1%

c) 7.1%

d) 15.9%

CORRECT ANSWER: 7.1% 

The prevalence rate of dementia of seniors living within Canada is roughly 7.1%

400

What should clinicians consider when diagnosing dementia in different cultural groups?

a) Cultural traditions and norms 

b) Western medical standards only 

c) Age as the primary factor 

d) Gender disparities only

CORRECT ANSWER: A

Clinicians should consider cultural traditions and norms when diagnosing dementia in different cultural groups to ensure culturally sensitive care and accurate diagnosis

400

What is not typically included in the assessment process for diagnosing dementia?

a) A history gathering component

b) A physical examination

c) An electrocardiogram (ECG)

d) A mental examination 

CORRECT ANSWER: C

An electrocardiogram (ECG). This measures heart electrical activity, not cognitive decline.

400

Sophia recently immigrated to Canada with her family from Mexico. She has started to notice problems with her mother, but refused to believe this as being “dementia,” and instead thought these issues were a spiritual cause from God as punishment. Which of the following cultural considerations is not appropriate when handling treatment with this client?

a) Understanding and respecting their belief

b) Inquire about potential language-barriers and work to resolve it

c) Offer traditional healing practices

d) Correct the belief so they understand the severity of dementia

CORRECT ANSWER: D

As clinicians, we should try our best to operate within the confines of our clients cultural beliefs, while not neglecting the presenting problem. It is important to remain culturally sensitive and adapt practices to best fit the client.

400

Short Answer: 

What are the key components of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), and how are CST groups structured?

CORRECT ANSWER: 

The key components of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) include engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as singing, word games, and discussing childhood memories. CST groups are structured to accommodate six to eight participants and typically meet two to three times a week for seven to 12 weeks, with sessions planned around themed activities designed to stimulate cognitive abilities.

600

Kyle is a 45-year-old male who works at a bakery. Recently, he started to become disoriented, forgetting where he placed the flour and making his coworkers annoyed with him. What are some considerations to have when treating Kyle?

Receive points for mentioning 2/4 of these points

Age: At 45 years old, Kyle may present with early-onset dementia. 

Occupation: Kyle works at a bakery, indicating that his cognitive decline may be affecting his job performance. Interventions should focus on maintaining his ability to perform job-related tasks and supporting his continued employment if possible. 

Symptoms: Kyle's disorientation and forgetfulness are impacting his daily functioning and causing frustration among coworkers. Treatment should address these symptoms to improve his quality of life and interpersonal relationships. 

Cognitive Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive cognitive assessment will help determine the extent of Kyle's cognitive impairment and guide appropriate interventions. 

600

During initial assessments for dementia, what nuanced factors might healthcare professionals consider to differentiate between normal aging and pathological cognitive decline?

a) Subtle changes in executive function and difficulties with multitasking or problem-solving

b) Limited access to healthcare services and socioeconomic disparities affecting cognitive health

c) Familial predispositions and genetic markers indicating susceptibility to cognitive impairment

CORRECT ANSWER: A

Healthcare professionals must acknowledge subtle changes in executive function, such as difficulties with multitasking or problem-solving, which often distinguish normal aging from cognitive decline seen in dementia. These nuanced factors require a thorough assessment and consideration during the diagnostic process to accurately differentiate between the two conditions

600

Stanley is an 82-year-old man who presented to the doctor last week with difficulties sleeping, blurred vision, hearing loss, and chest pain. While at the doctor Stanley also mentioned that he has recently been struggling to remember where he put things lately, which resulted in him losing his keys and getting locked out of his house earlier this week. The doctor also noticed that Stanley had trouble articulating his thoughts and had a twitch in his right eye. What are three of the presenting problems commonly found in those with dementia that Stanley presented with?

CORRECT ANSWER: 

Memory difficulties (struggling to remember where he puts things), difficulties sleeping, Language difficulties/disturbances (trouble articulating thoughts)

600

Mrs. Nguyen, a 72-year-old retired teacher from a Vietnamese background, presents with progressive memory loss, executive function impairment, and occasional confusion. Despite experiencing these symptoms, Mrs. Nguyen's family hesitates to seek formal medical help due to cultural beliefs that memory decline is a normal part of aging. What steps can healthcare providers take to address cultural barriers and ensure Mrs. Nguyen receives appropriate diagnosis and care?


DAILY DOUBLE

CORRECT ANSWER: 

Healthcare providers should engage in culturally sensitive communication with Mrs. Nguyen and her family to understand their beliefs and concerns about memory loss. They should provide education about dementia, emphasizing that while some memory decline is normal with aging, significant cognitive impairment may indicate a neurocognitive disorder requiring medical attention. Collaborating with community organizations and healthcare professionals can facilitate trust and communication. Additionally, offering support groups or resources tailored to Vietnamese cultural norms can help address stigma and encourage acceptance of medical interventions.

600

Which of the following is not one of the three categories of Reminiscence therapy?

a) Simple Reminiscence 

b) Life Review Therapy

c) Life Review

d) Reminiscence Review

CORRECT ANSWER: D

Reminiscence Review is not one of the three categories of Reminiscence therapy.