ACC Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Stages 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stage of Alzheimer's is often called the 'longest stage' because it can last many years?
- Mild (early) stage
- Moderate (middle) stage (Correct answer)
- Severe (late) stage
- Preclinical stage
Correct answer: Moderate (middle) stage
The moderate (middle) stage is typically the longest, often lasting 2–10 years, during which caregiving needs increase substantially.
Question 2: Sundowning, or increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon and evening, is MOST commonly associated with which stage?
- Preclinical stage
- Mild (early) stage
- Moderate (middle) stage (Correct answer)
- Severe (late) stage
Correct answer: Moderate (middle) stage
Sundowning is a common behavioral symptom in the moderate stage, when disrupted circadian rhythms and cognitive fatigue lead to worsened confusion and agitation in the evening.
Question 3: Which of the following BEST describes a person in the mild (early) stage of Alzheimer's disease?
- Requires full assistance for bathing and dressing
- May work and drive but notices memory lapses (Correct answer)
- Cannot recognize close relatives by name
- Needs help with basic eating and swallowing
Correct answer: May work and drive but notices memory lapses
In the mild stage, many people can still work and drive, though they begin to notice and may try to hide memory lapses and difficulties with complex tasks.
Question 4: A person with Alzheimer's disease who can no longer recall childhood memories or recognize their spouse is MOST likely in which stage?
- Mild stage
- Moderate stage
- Severe stage (Correct answer)
- Preclinical stage
Correct answer: Severe stage
Failure to recognize a spouse and loss of long-term autobiographical memory are hallmarks of severe (late-stage) Alzheimer's disease.
Question 5: What is the AVERAGE total duration of Alzheimer's disease from diagnosis to death?
- 1–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 8–10 years (Correct answer)
- 15–20 years
Correct answer: 8–10 years
On average, people live 8–10 years after an Alzheimer's diagnosis, though the range is wide (4–20 years) depending on age at diagnosis and overall health.
Question 6: In the severe stage of Alzheimer's disease, aspiration pneumonia is a leading cause of death because of which specific functional decline?
- Loss of bladder control
- Inability to recognize caregivers
- Impaired swallowing reflexes (Correct answer)
- Loss of the ability to walk
Correct answer: Impaired swallowing reflexes
Impaired swallowing (dysphagia) in the severe stage increases the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia, a common cause of death.
Question 7: Which of the following is a key difference between normal age-related memory loss and the mild stage of Alzheimer's disease?
- Normal aging never causes forgetfulness
- Alzheimer's memory loss worsens progressively and interferes with daily life (Correct answer)
- Normal aging always impairs recognition of family members
- Alzheimer's only affects people over age 85
Correct answer: Alzheimer's memory loss worsens progressively and interferes with daily life
Unlike normal age-related forgetfulness, which is occasional and non-progressive, Alzheimer's-related memory loss worsens steadily and increasingly disrupts daily functioning.
ACC Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Stages 3
Which stage of Alzheimer's is often called the 'longest stage' because it can last many years?