Alzheimer’s Delirium and Dementia Q 12
A student nurse was asked which of the following best describes dementia. Which of the following best describes the condition?
A. Memory loss occurring as part of the natural consequence of aging.
B. Difficulty coping with physical and psychological change.
C. Severe cognitive impairment that occurs rapidly.
D. Loss of cognitive abilities, impairing ability to perform activities of daily living.
Correct Answer: D. Loss of cognitive abilities, impairing ability to perform activities of daily living.
The impaired ability to perform self-care is an important measure of a client’s dementia progression and loss of cognitive abilities. Difficulty or impaired ability to perform normal activities of daily living, such as maintaining hygiene and grooming, toileting, making meals, and maintaining a household, are significant indications of dementia. Slowing of processes necessary for information retrieval is a normal consequence of aging. However, the global statement that memory loss occurs as part of natural aging is not true.
Option A: Dementia is not normal; it is a disease. Dementia is a disorder that is characterized by cognitive decline involving memory and at least 1 of the other domains, including personality, praxis, abstract thinking, language, executive functioning, complex attention, social and visuospatial skills.
Option B: Difficulty coping with changes can be experienced by any client, not just one with dementia. In addition to the noted decline, the severity must be significant enough to interfere with daily functionality. It is often a progressive disorder, and individuals often do not have insight into their deficits. Currently, no cure exists for any of the causes of dementia.
Option C: The rapid occurrence of cognitive impairment refers to delirium. History must be obtained from the patient and their family members. Patients may present with symptoms of change in behavior, getting lost in familiar neighborhoods, memory loss, mood changes, aggression, social withdrawal, self-neglect, cognitive difficulty, personality changes, difficulty performing tasks, forgetfulness, difficulty in communication, vulnerability to infections, loss of independence, etc., A detailed history should include past medical, family, drug, and alcohol history