Alzheimer's Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter system is predominantly affected in Alzheimer's disease, leading to cognitive impairment?

Accepted Answer

Cholinergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

Noradrenergic system

Question 2

What is the first-line pharmacological approach for symptomatic management of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease, aiming to improve neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

Cholinesterase inhibitors that increase acetylcholine levels

Answer

NMDA receptor antagonists that block glutamate excitotoxicity

Answer

Antipsychotics that reduce psychosis

Answer

Mood stabilizers that regulate mood disorders

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in the context of Alzheimer's disease management?

Accepted Answer

To track disease progression over time, assessing cognitive decline

Answer

To provide a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions

Answer

To differentiate Alzheimer's disease from other cognitive disorders

Question 4

Which of the following medications is an NMDA receptor antagonist specifically approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist

Answer

Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor

Answer

Galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor

Answer

Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor

Question 5

What is the expected pharmacological effect of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, improving cholinergic neurotransmission

Answer

Inhibit dopamine reuptake, enhancing dopaminergic activity

Answer

Enhance NMDA receptor activity, reducing glutamate excitotoxicity

Answer

Block serotonin receptors, modulating mood and behavior

Question 6

What is the central goal of non-pharmacological interventions in Alzheimer's disease management?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life

Answer

To reverse the disease process and restore cognitive function

Answer

To slow disease progression and preserve cognitive abilities

Answer

To prevent falls and reduce the risk of injuries

Question 7

In Alzheimer's disease, which of the following manifestations is considered a cardinal feature?

Accepted Answer

Memory loss

Answer

Language impairment

Answer

Difficulty with calculations

Answer

Aphasia

Question 8

In Alzheimer's disease, the formation of amyloid plaques mainly occurs due to a dysregulation in the production and clearance of which protein?

Accepted Answer

Beta-amyloid

Answer

Tau

Answer

Alpha-synuclein

Answer

Lewy bodies

Question 9

In Alzheimer's disease, which neurotransmitter system is predominantly affected?

Accepted Answer

Cholinergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

Noradrenergic system

Question 10

In the diagnostic evaluation of Alzheimer's disease, which imaging technique is typically employed to visualize amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles?

Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 11

In the management of cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, which class of medication is primarily used?

Accepted Answer

Cholinesterase inhibitors

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 12

In Alzheimer's disease, which of the following non-pharmacological interventions has shown evidence of improving cognitive function and reducing behavioral problems?

Accepted Answer

A combination of the above

Answer

Cognitive stimulation therapy

Answer

Music therapy

Answer

Physical exercise

Question 13

The neurotransmitter primarily affected in Alzheimer's disease, leading to cognitive impairment, is:

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Serotonin

Question 14

The first-line pharmacological treatment for Alzheimer's disease belongs to which medication class?

Accepted Answer

Cholinesterase inhibitors

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Memantine

Question 15

Which adverse effect is predominantly associated with antipsychotic use in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delirium

Answer

Seizures

Question 16

Which non-pharmacological intervention has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing cognitive function and reducing behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive stimulation therapy

Answer

Music therapy

Answer

Exercise

Answer

Socialization

Question 17

The primary mechanism of action of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease is:

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine

Answer

Blocking the reuptake of serotonin

Answer

Modulating NMDA receptors

Answer

Reducing the formation of amyloid-beta plaques

Question 18

In Alzheimer's disease, which sequence of events involving amyloid-beta plaques and tauopathies leads to neurodegeneration?

Accepted Answer

Amyloid-beta plaques trigger a series of events that ultimately lead to tau aggregation and neurodegeneration.

Answer

Tauopathies are the primary cause of neurodegeneration, with amyloid-beta plaques playing a secondary role.

Answer

Amyloid-beta plaques and tauopathies are separate pathological processes that do not interact in Alzheimer's disease.

Answer

Tauopathies prevent the formation of amyloid-beta plaques, protecting against neurodegeneration.

Question 19

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is the primary pathophysiological feature of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Question 20

The first-line pharmacological treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease targets which neurotransmitter system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholinergic

Answer

Dopaminergic

Answer

Serotonergic

Answer

Glutamatergic

Question 21

The primary mechanism of action of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease is to:

Accepted Answer

Increase the availability of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft

Answer

Block the reuptake of dopamine

Answer

Stimulate the release of serotonin

Answer

Reduce the production of amyloid plaques

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Family history

Answer

Age

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Physical inactivity

Question 23

Alzheimer's disease is:

Accepted Answer

A non-communicable disease with a complex etiology

Answer

A communicable disease spread through contact with infected individuals

Answer

A psychological condition caused by stress and anxiety

Answer

A normal part of aging

Question 24

Which nursing intervention is most effective in promoting the safety and well-being of patients with Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Providing a structured and predictable routine

Answer

Encouraging social isolation to prevent agitation

Answer

Using physical restraints to manage wandering

Answer

Administering sedatives to control behavioral symptoms

Question 25

The primary goal of pharmacological therapy in Alzheimer's disease is to:

Accepted Answer

Slow the progression of symptoms

Answer

Cure the disease

Answer

Reverse memory loss

Answer

Prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease

Question 26

Identify the hallmark pathological characteristic of Alzheimer's disease:

Accepted Answer

Predominantly amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles

Answer

Exclusively Lewy bodies

Answer

Solely senile plaques

Answer

Isolated dopamine depletion

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Sustained and increased appetite

Answer

Progressive memory loss

Answer

Language impairment

Answer

Cognitive decline

Question 28

In Alzheimer's disease, which neurotransmitter deficiency is most closely associated?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 29

Which imaging technique is primarily used to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

X-ray

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Electromyography (EMG)

Question 30

For mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, the primary pharmacological treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Donepezil

Answer

Metformin

Answer

Simvastatin

Answer

Ibuprofen

Question 31

In managing behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a key nursing intervention involves:

Accepted Answer

Environmental modification

Answer

Physical restraint

Answer

Chemical sedation

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 32

The diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease include progressive cognitive decline and:

Accepted Answer

Memory impairment

Answer

Impaired judgment

Answer

Disorientation to time

Answer

Agitation

Question 33

In Alzheimer's disease, the non-amyloidogenic pathway is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Alpha-secretase pathway

Answer

Beta-secretase pathway

Answer

Tau phosphorylation pathway

Answer

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) pathway

Question 34

The severity of Alzheimer's disease is typically staged using the:

Accepted Answer

Clinical Dementia Rating scale

Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale

Answer

Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination

Question 35

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a first-line pharmacological intervention for Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Cholinesterase inhibitors

Answer

Memantine

Answer

Donepezil

Question 37

True or False: Alzheimer's disease is a reversible condition.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 38

Which of the following imaging modalities is used to visualize amyloid-beta plaques in vivo?

Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 39

Which of the following is the hallmark characteristic of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Presence of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles

Answer

Bunina bodies

Answer

Hirano bodies

Answer

Lewy bodies

Question 40

In Alzheimer's disease, which neurotransmitter system is predominantly affected?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Serotonin

Question 41

Which type of memory loss is most characteristic of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Episodic memory

Answer

Working memory

Answer

Semantic memory

Answer

Procedural memory

Question 42

Which of the following is a non-pharmacological intervention that can be used to manage behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Validation therapy

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Answer

Memantine

Question 43

What is the primary purpose of using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive screening

Answer

Prognostication

Answer

Treatment monitoring

Question 44

Which imaging technique is specifically designed to visualize amyloid beta plaques in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Amyloid PET scan

Answer

CT scan

Answer

MRI scan

Answer

EEG

Question 45

What is the primary mechanism of action of cholinergic agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Increasing synaptic acetylcholine concentration

Answer

Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase

Answer

Stimulating dopamine release

Answer

Blocking glutamate receptors

Question 46

Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with antipsychotic medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Answer

Cognitive impairment

Answer

Hypertension