ACC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A person with moderate Alzheimer's refuses to take a prescribed medication. What is the caregiver's most appropriate first response? → Respect the refusal, document it, and notify the healthcare provider
2. A caregiver in a support group says, 'I feel like I've already lost my mom even though she's still here.' This describes: → Anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss
3. A caregiver notices that a family member has been withdrawing large sums of money from an Alzheimer's patient's account. This is an example of: → Financial exploitation and elder abuse
4. Which community resource specifically provides temporary relief to family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients? → Respite care programs
5. Which statement BEST describes the role of music in managing behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's? → Familiar music can reduce agitation, improve mood, and stimulate autobiographical memories
6. Informed consent for medical procedures in Alzheimer's care requires all of the following EXCEPT: → Guaranteed positive outcomes from the procedure
7. Which technique best supports a person with Alzheimer's who is having difficulty finding words? → Offer a word choice: 'Do you mean the cup or the plate?'
8. Which of the following demonstrates a caregiver's understanding of promoting dignity while assisting with toileting for a person with dementia? → Establishing a regular toileting schedule and looking for non-verbal cues.
9. Which of the following is a common physical sign that an Alzheimer's patient may be approaching the end of life? → Decreased urine output and mottled skin
10. What is the AVERAGE total duration of Alzheimer's disease from diagnosis to death? → 8–10 years
11. Which flooring characteristic poses the greatest fall risk for a person with Alzheimer's disease? → High-gloss hardwood that creates light reflections
12. A caregiver is helping their mother, who has moderate Alzheimer's, choose what to wear. What approach is MOST appropriate given her stage? → Lay out two pre-selected outfit options
13. During a meal, a person with Alzheimer's becomes agitated and throws food. The most appropriate response is: → Calmly end the meal, redirect to another activity, and offer food later
14. Which of the following drinks is MOST appropriate for encouraging hydration in an Alzheimer's patient who refuses plain water? → Diluted fruit juice or herbal tea
15. What is the BEST tool to help ensure an Alzheimer's patient takes the correct medication at the correct time? → Using a locked, automated pill dispenser with alarms
16. Which documentation practice is essential when caring for a person with Alzheimer's in a formal care setting? → Accurately documenting behaviors, interventions, and responses to care in a timely manner
17. Which modification to an outdoor garden area BEST supports safe outdoor access for a person with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's? → Installing a tall fence with a self-latching, caregiver-coded gate
18. Which door alarm feature is MOST appropriate for a person with Alzheimer's who tends to wander at night? → A loud audible chime that sounds when the door is opened
19. A person with Alzheimer's disease becomes increasingly agitated and confused in the late afternoon and early evening. This behavior is commonly referred to as: → Sundowning
20. The GDS (Global Deterioration Scale) is used to stage Alzheimer's. How many stages does this scale include? → 7
21. Which legal document specifically designates someone to make financial decisions on behalf of a person who can no longer do so themselves? → Durable power of attorney for finances
22. What does the term 'aphasia' mean in the context of Alzheimer's disease symptoms? → Difficulty with language and communication
23. Which communication technique involves entering the person's reality rather than correcting them? → Validation therapy
24. Which of the following is a common medication side effect that caregivers should monitor in Alzheimer's patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors? → Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
25. To minimize the risk of falls for a person with Alzheimer's disease, which of the following is the MOST effective environmental modification? → Removing clutter, securing loose rugs, and improving lighting in walkways and stairwells.
26. Why is early detection important in Alzheimer's disease? → It helps with earlier interventions and support
27. Which statement about male Alzheimer's caregivers is supported by research? → Men are less likely to seek formal support services despite comparable burden levels
28. When a person with Alzheimer's uses the wrong word but the caregiver understands the meaning, the best response is to: → Respond to the intended meaning without correcting
29. Why should over-the-counter antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) be used cautiously in Alzheimer's patients? → They have anticholinergic effects that can worsen cognitive impairment and confusion
30. A caregiver observes that a resident with Alzheimer's eats much better when seated next to other residents at a table. This is an example of: → Environmental cuing to promote ADL participation