AAC Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias 2

Question 1

Which protein forms the neurofibrillary tangles characteristic of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Tau

Answer

Hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates inside neurons to form neurofibrillary tangles, disrupting cell transport and contributing to neuronal death.

Question 2

A person with Lewy body dementia is most likely to experience which hallmark symptom NOT typically seen in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Vivid visual hallucinations

Answer

Recurrent vivid visual hallucinations are a core diagnostic feature of Lewy body dementia and help distinguish it from Alzheimer's disease.

Question 3

Which stage of Alzheimer's disease is characterized by significant memory loss, confusion about time and place, and the need for help with daily activities?

Accepted Answer

Moderate (middle stage)

Answer

The moderate or middle stage of Alzheimer's is the longest stage, during which damage spreads to areas controlling language, reasoning, and conscious thought.

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is most significantly depleted in Alzheimer's disease, forming the basis for cholinesterase inhibitor treatments?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Acetylcholine-producing neurons are among the first to be damaged in Alzheimer's, and cholinesterase inhibitors work by preventing its breakdown.

Question 5

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) primarily affects which cognitive domains first?

Accepted Answer

Behavior, personality, and language

Answer

FTD predominantly affects the frontal and temporal lobes, causing early changes in personality, behavior, and language rather than memory.

(AAC) Alzheimer's Association Certification Practice Test

(AAC) Alzheimer's Association Certification Practice Test

AAC Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias 2