Cognition & Interpersonal Violence: Questions 1-11

Which domain of cognition involves interpreting and organizing sensory input?

• Memory

• Perception

• Judgment

• Reasoning

Answer explanation

Perception is the domain of cognition that involves interpreting and organizing sensory input. It allows us to make sense of the world around us by processing the information we receive through our senses.

Which lobe of the brain governs executive function and decision-making?

• Frontal

• Temporal

• Parietal

• Occipital

Answer explanation

The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and planning. It plays a crucial role in controlling behavior and emotions, making it the correct answer.

Which neurotransmitter primarily supports memory and learning?

• Serotonin

• Acetylcholine

• Dopamine

• Norepinephrine

Answer explanation

Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning processes. It plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, which is essential for forming new memories.

A 76-year-old has slowed recall but intact judgment. What does this represent?

• Delirium

• Normal aging

• Early dementia

• Depression

Answer explanation

Slowed recall with intact judgment in a 76-year-old typically indicates normal aging. Unlike early dementia, where judgment may decline, normal aging can affect memory without compromising decision-making abilities.

Which finding most clearly distinguishes delirium from dementia?

• Memory loss

• Gradual onset

• Fluctuating attention

• Word-finding difficulty

Answer explanation

Fluctuating attention is a key feature of delirium, distinguishing it from dementia, which typically has a gradual onset and stable attention. Memory loss and word-finding difficulties can occur in both conditions.

Which stage of dementia is characterized by total dependence in ADLs?

• Early

• Middle

• Late

• Transitional

Answer explanation

The late stage of dementia is characterized by total dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs). Individuals in this stage require full assistance with personal care and daily tasks.

Which screening tool is most sensitive for mild cognitive impairment?

• MMSE

• MoCA

• CAM

• GCS

Answer explanation

The MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) is specifically designed to detect mild cognitive impairment and is more sensitive than the MMSE, CAM, and GCS in identifying subtle cognitive deficits.

Select all that apply: Normal age-related cognitive changes include—

• Slightly slower processing speed

• Loss of long-term memory

• Mild word-finding difficulty

• Preserved vocabulary

• Disorientation to time

Answer explanation

Normal age-related cognitive changes include slightly slower processing speed, mild word-finding difficulty, and preserved vocabulary. Loss of long-term memory and disorientation to time are not typical age-related changes.

Which factor most increases dementia risk?

• Hypertension

• High HDL

• Frequent exercise

• Low salt intake

Answer explanation

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for dementia, as it can lead to vascular damage and cognitive decline. In contrast, high HDL, frequent exercise, and low salt intake are generally protective against dementia.

In Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid plaques form—

• Between neurons

• Inside axons

• In glial cells

• Within synaptic vesicles

Answer explanation

In Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid plaques accumulate between neurons, disrupting communication and contributing to neurodegeneration. This makes 'Between neurons' the correct answer.