AAC Communication & Behavior Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which statement best describes the 'ABC' behavior analysis approach in dementia care?
- Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence — identifying triggers and outcomes (Correct answer)
- Accept, Believe, Correct — validating then redirecting
- Assess, Brief, Calm — a three-step de-escalation method
- Attention, Behavior, Communication — improving engagement
Correct answer: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence — identifying triggers and outcomes
The ABC model analyzes what happens before (antecedent) and after (consequence) a behavior to identify patterns and develop interventions.
Question 2: When communicating with a person in the middle stage of Alzheimer's, caregivers should:
- Use short, simple sentences and allow extra time for responses (Correct answer)
- Speak rapidly to maintain the person's attention
- Use complex explanations to stimulate cognitive function
- Avoid asking any questions to prevent frustration
Correct answer: Use short, simple sentences and allow extra time for responses
Short sentences and patience accommodate the processing delays common in middle-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Question 3: A person with Alzheimer's hoards food in their room. The most likely reason for this behavior is:
- Fear of not having enough food due to insecurity or past experiences (Correct answer)
- Enjoyment of collecting objects as a new hobby
- Deliberate defiance of facility rules
- A side effect of dementia medications
Correct answer: Fear of not having enough food due to insecurity or past experiences
Hoarding often reflects deep-seated insecurity or fear of scarcity rooted in past experiences or memory loss.
Question 4: Which type of memory is typically preserved longest in Alzheimer's disease, allowing caregivers to use it therapeutically?
- Long-term procedural and emotional memory (Correct answer)
- Short-term episodic memory
- Working memory for daily tasks
- Semantic memory for names and facts
Correct answer: Long-term procedural and emotional memory
Procedural memory (how to do things) and emotionally-charged long-term memories often persist, enabling reminiscence and familiar routines.
Question 5: A person with Alzheimer's undresses in a common area of the care facility. The most appropriate immediate response is to:
- Calmly guide the person to a private area and assist with redressing (Correct answer)
- Publicly correct the behavior to deter repetition
- Restrain the person to prevent further undressing
- Document the behavior and wait for it to stop on its own
Correct answer: Calmly guide the person to a private area and assist with redressing
Guiding the person to privacy protects dignity while calmly addressing the behavior without shame or restraint.
Question 6: Repetitive questioning in Alzheimer's disease is best understood as:
- An expression of underlying anxiety or an unmet emotional need (Correct answer)
- A deliberate attempt to frustrate caregivers
- Evidence that the person is not receiving adequate stimulation
- A sign that the person needs increased medication
Correct answer: An expression of underlying anxiety or an unmet emotional need
Repetitive questions typically reflect anxiety, fear, or an unmet need rather than intentional behavior.
Question 7: Which sensory approach has evidence supporting its calming effect on agitation in Alzheimer's care?
- Snoezelen multisensory stimulation environments (Correct answer)
- Bright fluorescent overhead lighting
- Loud background music to mask other noises
- Frequent changes in room décor for stimulation
Correct answer: Snoezelen multisensory stimulation environments
Snoezelen environments use gentle sensory stimuli (soft lights, music, textures) to reduce agitation and promote relaxation.
AAC Communication & Behavior Management 3
Which statement best describes the 'ABC' behavior analysis approach in dementia care?