BCG Cognitive Decline & Dementia Care Flashcards

Which cognitive screening tool assigns a maximum score of 30 and is widely used to detect dementia in clinical settings?

Answer: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

The MMSE is a 30-point standardized cognitive screening tool assessing orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) differs from dementia in that individuals with MCI:

Answer: Show cognitive decline but retain the ability to function independently in daily life

MCI is characterized by cognitive decline beyond what is expected for age, but functional independence in daily activities is preserved, distinguishing it from dementia.

The most common form of dementia in older adults in the United States is:

Answer: Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease accounts for approximately 60–80% of all dementia cases in the United States.

Which behavioral symptom of dementia is best managed first through non-pharmacological interventions?

Answer: Agitation and wandering

Non-pharmacological approaches such as redirection, structured routines, music therapy, and environmental modification are first-line for behavioral symptoms like agitation and wandering.

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is most associated with the memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease?

Answer: Acetylcholine

Loss of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert results in acetylcholine deficiency, which underlies the memory impairment characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

The hallmark feature that distinguishes Lewy body dementia from Alzheimer's disease is:

Answer: Visual hallucinations and fluctuating cognition

Lewy body dementia is characterized by recurrent visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, and Parkinsonism, distinguishing it from the typical presentation of Alzheimer's disease.