Mixed Deck — All AAC Topics Flashcards

When a AAC professional encounters an unfamiliar challenge in cognitive assessment & screening, what is the recommended first course of action?

Answer: Research applicable standards, consult with subject matter experts, and document the approach

Professional practice requires a methodical approach to unfamiliar challenges: research the applicable standards, consult experts when needed, and document the reasoning for the chosen approach.

Sundowning refers to increased confusion and agitation that typically occurs at what time of day?

Answer: Late afternoon and evening

Sundowning is a pattern of worsening behavioral symptoms in the late afternoon and evening, likely linked to circadian rhythm disruption.

Terminal restlessness (terminal agitation) near death is BEST described as:

Answer: A common neurological phenomenon in the final hours or days of life marked by agitation and confusion

Terminal restlessness is a common, distressing syndrome in the final hours to days of life, likely caused by metabolic changes, and is treated with sedating comfort medications.

Which lifestyle change can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease?

Answer: Regular physical exercise and cognitive activity

Engaging in regular physical exercise and mentally stimulating activities can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by promoting brain health and cognitive reserve. These activities improve blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and encourage the growth of new brain cells and connections. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding smoking, also contributes to brain health.

Which diagnostic method is commonly used to support Alzheimer's diagnosis?

Answer: Neuroimaging like MRI or PET

Neuroimaging techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, are commonly used to support an Alzheimer's diagnosis. MRI can detect brain shrinkage and rule out other causes of cognitive decline, while PET scans can identify amyloid plaques, tau tangles, or show reduced brain metabolism characteristic of the disease. These methods help confirm the presence of changes associated with Alzheimer's.

What does 'anosognosia' mean in the context of dementia?

Answer: Lack of awareness of one's own cognitive deficits

Anosognosia is a neurological condition where the person with dementia has no awareness of their own impairments, differing from denial.

When transitioning a person with Alzheimer's from home care to a memory care community, what care plan element is most important to transfer?

Answer: A comprehensive life history and individualized care preferences profile

Transferring a detailed life history and care preferences profile ensures continuity of person-centered care and helps new staff quickly build rapport.

Which element is essential to include in a care plan for a person with Alzheimer's who wanders?

Answer: Environmental safety measures and identification strategies such as MedicAlert

Safe Return programs and environmental modifications are evidence-based, person-centered strategies for managing wandering behavior.

A person with Alzheimer's becomes agitated each afternoon around 3 PM. The best approach to reduce this pattern is to:

Answer: Schedule a preferred calming activity before the anticipated agitation window

Proactively scheduling calming activities before the typical onset of agitation can interrupt the behavioral pattern.

The Alzheimer's Association's 'ALZConnected' platform primarily serves caregivers by providing:

Answer: An online peer-to-peer support community available 24/7

ALZConnected is the Alzheimer's Association's free online community where caregivers and people with dementia connect with peers anytime.

The REACH II program (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health) is best described as:

Answer: An evidence-based multicomponent intervention to reduce caregiver burden

REACH II is an evidence-based intervention addressing caregiver burden through skills training, education, and support.

A care team is designing a caregiver education program. Which delivery format is MOST effective for skill-based caregiving tasks?

Answer: Hands-on skills training with return demonstration

Return demonstration — where caregivers practice and show competency — is the gold standard for teaching physical caregiving skills.

When should cognitive screening be repeated to monitor progression in a person already diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease?

Answer: Every 6–12 months

Repeating cognitive screening every 6–12 months is standard practice to monitor disease progression and adjust care planning in mild Alzheimer's disease.

A caregiver reports that their mother was doing well on last year's MMSE but scored 4 points lower this year. What does this change most suggest?

Answer: Clinically significant cognitive decline

A 4-point decline on the MMSE over one year exceeds normal aging variation and typically signals meaningful clinical deterioration.

When a AAC professional encounters an unfamiliar challenge in research & clinical trials awareness, what is the recommended first course of action?

Answer: Research applicable standards, consult with subject matter experts, and document the approach

Professional practice requires a methodical approach to unfamiliar challenges: research the applicable standards, consult experts when needed, and document the reasoning for the chosen approach.

When a person with advanced Alzheimer's has no advance directive and no family, who typically makes medical decisions?

Answer: The state-appointed public guardian or ethics committee

In the absence of an advance directive or family surrogate, a public guardian or institutional ethics committee may be appointed by the court.

What is the main scientific rationale behind the 'amyloid cascade hypothesis' that drives many current Alzheimer's clinical trials?

Answer: Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques is the primary initiating event that drives downstream tau pathology and neurodegeneration

The amyloid cascade hypothesis proposes that abnormal amyloid-beta accumulation is the upstream trigger of Alzheimer's pathology, including tau aggregation and neuronal loss.

Which interdisciplinary team member is best suited to address swallowing difficulties in a person with advanced Alzheimer's?

Answer: Speech-language pathologist

Speech-language pathologists specialize in dysphagia assessment and management, making them the appropriate team member for swallowing concerns.

Tacrine (Cognex) was the first FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitor for Alzheimer's but is no longer used primarily because of:

Answer: Serious hepatotoxicity requiring frequent liver monitoring

Tacrine was withdrawn from clinical use due to significant hepatotoxicity, with patients requiring frequent liver function monitoring.

When a AAC professional encounters an unfamiliar challenge in activity programming & engagement, what is the recommended first course of action?

Answer: Research applicable standards, consult with subject matter experts, and document the approach

Professional practice requires a methodical approach to unfamiliar challenges: research the applicable standards, consult experts when needed, and document the reasoning for the chosen approach.