CSS CSS Memory Care & Cognitive Decline 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is distinct from Alzheimer's in that it primarily affects:
- Short-term memory first
- Behavior, personality, and language before memory (Correct answer)
- Motor skills and balance early in the disease
- Vision and spatial processing
Correct answer: Behavior, personality, and language before memory
FTD primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes, causing early changes in personality, social behavior, and language rather than the memory loss typical of Alzheimer's.
Question 2: What is a 'wandering alert system' used for in memory care settings?
- Notifying staff of medication schedules
- Detecting and alerting when a memory-impaired resident attempts to leave the facility unsafely (Correct answer)
- Monitoring sleep patterns of residents
- Alerting family members to visit schedules
Correct answer: Detecting and alerting when a memory-impaired resident attempts to leave the facility unsafely
Wandering alert systems use door alarms, wearable sensors, or motion detectors to immediately notify staff when cognitively impaired residents attempt to exit unsafely.
Question 3: Which stage of Alzheimer's disease is characterized by significant memory loss, confusion about time and place, and the need for help with ADLs?
- Mild (early) stage
- Moderate (middle) stage (Correct answer)
- Severe (late) stage
- Pre-clinical stage
Correct answer: Moderate (middle) stage
In the moderate stage of Alzheimer's, individuals experience significant memory gaps, confusion about surroundings and personal history, and require assistance with daily tasks.
Question 4: What is 'reminiscence therapy' and how is it used in memory care?
- Helping residents forget traumatic memories
- Using life history, music, and photos to stimulate memories and improve wellbeing (Correct answer)
- A drug therapy to enhance memory recall
- A therapy focused on future planning
Correct answer: Using life history, music, and photos to stimulate memories and improve wellbeing
Reminiscence therapy uses photos, music, familiar objects, and life story discussion to engage long-term memory, reduce isolation, and improve mood in people with dementia.
Question 5: What is a key environmental design principle for memory care units?
- Open floor plans with minimal walls
- Safe wandering paths, reduced stimulation, and clear visual cues (Correct answer)
- Bright flashing lighting for stimulation
- Shared open dormitory sleeping arrangements
Correct answer: Safe wandering paths, reduced stimulation, and clear visual cues
Memory care environments use safe circular wandering paths, reduced auditory and visual overstimulation, color-contrasted wayfinding cues, and homelike features to reduce confusion.
Question 6: Caregiver burnout in families caring for someone with dementia is best addressed by:
- Encouraging the caregiver to care for the patient full time without breaks
- Providing respite care, support groups, and psychoeducation for caregivers (Correct answer)
- Recommending immediate nursing home placement
- Prescribing antidepressants to the caregiver
Correct answer: Providing respite care, support groups, and psychoeducation for caregivers
Caregiver burnout is best prevented and treated through respite care services, peer support groups, education about dementia progression, and community resources.
CSS CSS Memory Care & Cognitive Decline 2
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is distinct from Alzheimer's in that it primarily affects: