Dementia Training Certification Dementia Training Pharmacological & Non-Pharmacological Interventions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the DICE approach stand for in managing dementia-related behavioral symptoms?
- Diagnose, Intervene, Correct, Evaluate
- Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate
- Describe, Investigate, Create a plan, Evaluate (Correct answer)
- Direct, Identify, Correct, Educate
Correct answer: Describe, Investigate, Create a plan, Evaluate
DICE stands for Describe, Investigate, Create a plan, and Evaluate — a structured, non-pharmacological first approach to managing behavioral symptoms.
Question 2: Which vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with reversible dementia-like symptoms and should be screened for?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12 (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
Correct answer: Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause reversible cognitive impairment that mimics dementia, so screening and supplementation are important.
Question 3: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is primarily used to achieve which goal in dementia care?
- Cure dementia
- Maintain and improve cognitive and social functioning (Correct answer)
- Replace medication entirely
- Eliminate all behavioral symptoms
Correct answer: Maintain and improve cognitive and social functioning
CST is an evidence-based group intervention that aims to maintain and improve cognitive and social functioning in people with mild-to-moderate dementia.
Question 4: Which sleep hygiene intervention is recommended as a non-pharmacological strategy for dementia-related sleep disturbances?
- Prescribing benzodiazepines immediately
- Maintaining consistent sleep-wake schedules and limiting daytime napping (Correct answer)
- Increasing caffeine intake
- Encouraging late-evening exercise
Correct answer: Maintaining consistent sleep-wake schedules and limiting daytime napping
Consistent sleep-wake schedules, limiting naps, and light exposure are first-line non-pharmacological approaches for sleep disturbances in dementia.
Question 5: What is 'sundowning' in the context of dementia, and what is a recommended non-pharmacological intervention?
- Morning confusion; nighttime sedation
- Late-day agitation; increased bright light exposure during the day (Correct answer)
- Memory loss at dawn; caffeine restriction
- Sleep walking; physical restraints
Correct answer: Late-day agitation; increased bright light exposure during the day
Sundowning refers to increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon/evening; bright light therapy during the day is a recommended non-pharmacological intervention.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes reminiscence therapy as used in dementia care?
- Using future-planning exercises to improve cognition
- Discussing past experiences using photos, music, and familiar objects to improve mood (Correct answer)
- Medicating patients to recall memories
- Suppressing old memories to reduce distress
Correct answer: Discussing past experiences using photos, music, and familiar objects to improve mood
Reminiscence therapy uses props like photos, music, and familiar objects to encourage discussion of past experiences, improving mood and quality of life.
Dementia Training Certification Dementia Training Pharmacological & Non-Pharmacological Interventions 2
What does the DICE approach stand for in managing dementia-related behavioral symptoms?