ACC Dementia Care & Cognitive Programming 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for residents with dementia?
- To cure cognitive decline through intensive training
- To maintain and enhance cognitive function and social engagement (Correct answer)
- To sedate residents during periods of challenging behavior
- To train residents to memorize new information daily
Correct answer: To maintain and enhance cognitive function and social engagement
CST aims to maintain remaining cognitive abilities and improve quality of life through structured group activities and social engagement, not to reverse or cure the condition.
Question 2: Which therapeutic approach involves entering the resident's perceived reality rather than correcting their misconceptions?
- Reality orientation therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Validation therapy (Correct answer)
- Reminiscence therapy
Correct answer: Validation therapy
Validation therapy, developed by Naomi Feil, involves accepting and validating the resident's feelings and perceived reality rather than correcting factual errors, which reduces distress.
Question 3: What type of activity is MOST appropriate for a resident in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease?
- Simple repetitive tasks with no cognitive demand
- Activities that utilize remaining skills and promote independence (Correct answer)
- Passive activities such as watching television exclusively
- Highly complex group projects requiring significant coordination
Correct answer: Activities that utilize remaining skills and promote independence
Early-stage Alzheimer's residents retain significant abilities and benefit most from activities that capitalize on existing skills while promoting independence and self-esteem.
Question 4: The 'Best Friends' approach to dementia care emphasizes which core concept?
- Strict behavior modification protocols
- Medical interventions to slow cognitive decline
- Building a relationship based on kindness, empathy, and knowing the person's life history (Correct answer)
- Limiting social interactions to prevent confusion
Correct answer: Building a relationship based on kindness, empathy, and knowing the person's life history
The Best Friends approach, developed by Bell and Troxel, centers on knowing the person's life story and building a caring relationship similar to a close friendship.
Question 5: What behavioral pattern is MOST characteristic of 'sundowning' in residents with dementia?
- Increased clarity and orientation during evening hours
- Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness typically in the late afternoon or evening (Correct answer)
- Excessive sleeping during afternoon hours only
- Withdrawal from all social activities throughout the entire day
Correct answer: Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness typically in the late afternoon or evening
Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral disturbances that typically occur in the late afternoon or evening in individuals with dementia.
Question 6: Which communication technique is MOST effective when interacting with a resident who has moderate dementia?
- Using complex sentences to stimulate cognitive processing
- Asking multiple questions at once to gather information efficiently
- Using simple, short sentences with a calm tone and supportive non-verbal cues (Correct answer)
- Correcting all factual errors immediately to maintain orientation
Correct answer: Using simple, short sentences with a calm tone and supportive non-verbal cues
Simple, short sentences with a calm tone and supportive non-verbal communication are most effective because they reduce cognitive load and anxiety for residents with moderate dementia.
Question 7: Reminiscence therapy primarily benefits residents with dementia by:
- Restoring lost memories from the recent past
- Providing opportunities to discuss current events
- Accessing long-term memories to promote feelings of identity, worth, and connection (Correct answer)
- Teaching residents new coping strategies for daily challenges
Correct answer: Accessing long-term memories to promote feelings of identity, worth, and connection
Reminiscence therapy accesses preserved long-term memories to help residents maintain a sense of identity, life story, and emotional connection with others.
ACC Dementia Care & Cognitive Programming 1
What is the primary goal of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for residents with dementia?