Alzheimer's Disease Stages & Symptoms Flashcards
7 cards from real ACC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Alzheimer's Disease Stages & Symptoms flashcards as text
Which of the following describes a key difference between Alzheimer's-related memory loss and normal age-related forgetfulness?
Answer: Alzheimer's involves forgetting recent events while retaining very distant memories early on
In early Alzheimer's, short-term memory is most affected while distant long-term memories may remain intact for longer.
Which stage of Alzheimer's typically corresponds to a MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) score of 10–19 out of 30?
Answer: Moderate stage
An MMSE score of 10–19 indicates moderate cognitive impairment, corresponding to the moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease.
A person with severe Alzheimer's who is bedbound develops a rigid, fetal body position. What is this posture called?
Answer: Contracture positioning
End-stage Alzheimer's can lead to contractures, where muscles and joints stiffen into a fixed, often fetal-like posture due to immobility.
In which Alzheimer's stage does a person typically still retain their personal history but show difficulty with complex problem-solving and planning?
Answer: Mild (early) stage
In the mild stage, personal history is generally retained but complex cognitive tasks like planning become increasingly difficult.
When a person with moderate Alzheimer's insists that deceased relatives are still alive, what should a caregiver do first?
Answer: Enter the person's reality and respond with empathy
Entering the person's reality and responding with empathy is recommended rather than repeatedly correcting or arguing, which causes distress.
Which of the following physical symptoms signals a transition from moderate to severe Alzheimer's stage?
Answer: Loss of ability to walk independently
Loss of ambulatory ability signals a significant decline consistent with the transition to the severe stage of Alzheimer's disease.
What is the purpose of understanding Alzheimer's disease stages for a caregiver?
Answer: To anticipate changing care needs and plan proactively
Understanding stages helps caregivers anticipate upcoming changes in care needs, safety risks, and communication strategies.