APEA COGNITIVE DISORDERS
EXAM: DEMENTIA &
DELIRIUM||Questions And Answers
With Rationales/Graded A+/2026
Update/100% Correct /Instant
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Section I: Core Concepts & Definitions (Questions 1–15)
1. Which of the following best defines delirium according to DSM-5-TR
(2022/2026 update)?
a) Gradual decline in memory and executive function over years
b) Fluctuating attention, acute onset, and altered level of consciousness
c) Persistent psychotic symptoms with cognitive impairment
d) Selective amnesia without changes in arousal
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: DSM-5-TR defines delirium by acute onset, fluctuating course,
inattention, and altered arousal (hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed). Option a
describes dementia; c is not diagnostic; d is no delirium.
2. A key differentiating feature between delirium and dementia is:
a) Presence of memory loss
b) Reversibility and acute onset
c) Age of onset
d) Primarily affecting language
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Delirium typically has acute onset (hours–days) and is potentially
reversible. Dementia is chronic and progressive. Memory loss occurs in both but is
not the key differentiator.
,3. The 2025 NIA-AA revised criteria now classify Alzeimer’s disease based on:
a) Only clinical symptoms
b) Biomarker profiles (amyloid and tau)
c) Response to donepezil
d) Family history alone
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: As of 2024-2025 updates, Alzheimer’s diagnosis is biologically defined
by amyloid and tau biomarkers (ATN framework), not solely clinical symptoms.
4. Hypoactive delirium is most commonly missed because it presents as:
a) Agitation and hallucinations
b) Lethargy, withdrawal, and somnolence
c) Hypervigilance and tremors
d) Seizures and hyperthermia
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Hypoactive delirium manifests as decreased psychomotor activity,
lethargy, and withdrawal, often mistaken for depression or fatigue. Missed in 50–
70% of cases.
5. Which age group has the highest incidence of postoperative delirium?
a) 18–40 years
b) 41–55 years
c) 65+ years (especially >75)
d) Neonates
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: Patients ≥65 years, especially those >75, have highest postoperative
delirium risk due to baseline cognitive vulnerability, polypharmacy, and frailty.
6. A key requirement for dementia diagnosis is:
a) Presence of delirium
b) Significant impairment in memory plus at least one other cognitive domain
c) Normal ADLs
d) Acute onset following trauma
, Correct Answer: b
Rationale: DSM-5-TR requires significant cognitive decline from prior function in
one or more domains (learning/memory, executive function, language, etc.)
affecting independence in ADLs.
7. Which of the following is a core feature of major neurocognitive disorder
(dementia)?
a) Fluctuating consciousness
b) Hallucinations primarily at night
c) Progressive interference with daily living
d) Rapid onset after infection
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: Progressive functional impairment in instrumental and basic ADLs is
central. Fluctuating consciousness is typical of delirium.
8. The “CAM-ICU” is a validated tool to assess:
a) Dementia severity
b) Delirium in ICU patients
c) Depression in elderly
d) Sleep apnea
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) screens for
delirium in intubated and non-intubated ICU patients. Features: acute onset,
inattention, disorganized thinking, altered LOC.
9. Which condition is most likely to be mistaken for dementia in older adults?
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Vitamin B12 deficiency
c) Depression (pseudodementia)
d) Epilepsy
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: Late-life depression can cause cognitive slowing, apathy, and executive
dysfunction (“pseudodementia”) that resolves with antidepressant treatment.
EXAM: DEMENTIA &
DELIRIUM||Questions And Answers
With Rationales/Graded A+/2026
Update/100% Correct /Instant
Download
Section I: Core Concepts & Definitions (Questions 1–15)
1. Which of the following best defines delirium according to DSM-5-TR
(2022/2026 update)?
a) Gradual decline in memory and executive function over years
b) Fluctuating attention, acute onset, and altered level of consciousness
c) Persistent psychotic symptoms with cognitive impairment
d) Selective amnesia without changes in arousal
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: DSM-5-TR defines delirium by acute onset, fluctuating course,
inattention, and altered arousal (hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed). Option a
describes dementia; c is not diagnostic; d is no delirium.
2. A key differentiating feature between delirium and dementia is:
a) Presence of memory loss
b) Reversibility and acute onset
c) Age of onset
d) Primarily affecting language
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Delirium typically has acute onset (hours–days) and is potentially
reversible. Dementia is chronic and progressive. Memory loss occurs in both but is
not the key differentiator.
,3. The 2025 NIA-AA revised criteria now classify Alzeimer’s disease based on:
a) Only clinical symptoms
b) Biomarker profiles (amyloid and tau)
c) Response to donepezil
d) Family history alone
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: As of 2024-2025 updates, Alzheimer’s diagnosis is biologically defined
by amyloid and tau biomarkers (ATN framework), not solely clinical symptoms.
4. Hypoactive delirium is most commonly missed because it presents as:
a) Agitation and hallucinations
b) Lethargy, withdrawal, and somnolence
c) Hypervigilance and tremors
d) Seizures and hyperthermia
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Hypoactive delirium manifests as decreased psychomotor activity,
lethargy, and withdrawal, often mistaken for depression or fatigue. Missed in 50–
70% of cases.
5. Which age group has the highest incidence of postoperative delirium?
a) 18–40 years
b) 41–55 years
c) 65+ years (especially >75)
d) Neonates
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: Patients ≥65 years, especially those >75, have highest postoperative
delirium risk due to baseline cognitive vulnerability, polypharmacy, and frailty.
6. A key requirement for dementia diagnosis is:
a) Presence of delirium
b) Significant impairment in memory plus at least one other cognitive domain
c) Normal ADLs
d) Acute onset following trauma
, Correct Answer: b
Rationale: DSM-5-TR requires significant cognitive decline from prior function in
one or more domains (learning/memory, executive function, language, etc.)
affecting independence in ADLs.
7. Which of the following is a core feature of major neurocognitive disorder
(dementia)?
a) Fluctuating consciousness
b) Hallucinations primarily at night
c) Progressive interference with daily living
d) Rapid onset after infection
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: Progressive functional impairment in instrumental and basic ADLs is
central. Fluctuating consciousness is typical of delirium.
8. The “CAM-ICU” is a validated tool to assess:
a) Dementia severity
b) Delirium in ICU patients
c) Depression in elderly
d) Sleep apnea
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) screens for
delirium in intubated and non-intubated ICU patients. Features: acute onset,
inattention, disorganized thinking, altered LOC.
9. Which condition is most likely to be mistaken for dementia in older adults?
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Vitamin B12 deficiency
c) Depression (pseudodementia)
d) Epilepsy
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: Late-life depression can cause cognitive slowing, apathy, and executive
dysfunction (“pseudodementia”) that resolves with antidepressant treatment.
