RACGP CLINICAL PEARLS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
List a few cognitive assessment tools for dementia screening in GP - ANS MMSE
GPCOG (GP assessment of cognition)
RUDAS (Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale) - good for CALD populations
Appropriate initial management of dementia - ANS Training carers and family to provide care
Manage upsetting behaviours
Changes to living environment
Interesting and enjoyable activities
Exercise and diet
social connection
Do own ADLs if possible
Written info
Pharmacotherapy for dementia - ANS Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine
What is a dementia screen (tests) - ANS FBC, UEC, LFT, TSH, B12, folate
Consider HIV, syphilis if at risk
CXR if indicated
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, CT or MRI
Community Care services for dementia - ANS Alzheimer's Australia
Carers Australia
ACAT
My Aged Care
What are the recommended acetylcholinesterase inhibitors? - ANS Donepezil
Galantamine PR
Rivastigmine patch
Indicated for mild to severe disease
What are the side effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors? - ANS Nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, dizziness, urinary incontinence, falls, muscle cramps, anorexia and weight loss,
headache, insomnia. Rarely - heart block (MUST DO ECG BEFORE STARTING)
When should memantine be used? - ANS Second line in dementia when acetylcholinesterase
inhibitors are not tolerated or contraindicated
Or in combination with CEi if severe
Treatment of agitation in dementia - ANS If nonpharm methods failed - try citalopram
If severe behavioural and psychological symptoms (psychosis, aggression, agitation) try
risperidone (not first line, risk of stroke and incr death)
What are some nonpharm interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms of
dementia (BPSD)? - ANS For depression/anxiety:
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
VERIFIED.
List a few cognitive assessment tools for dementia screening in GP - ANS MMSE
GPCOG (GP assessment of cognition)
RUDAS (Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale) - good for CALD populations
Appropriate initial management of dementia - ANS Training carers and family to provide care
Manage upsetting behaviours
Changes to living environment
Interesting and enjoyable activities
Exercise and diet
social connection
Do own ADLs if possible
Written info
Pharmacotherapy for dementia - ANS Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine
What is a dementia screen (tests) - ANS FBC, UEC, LFT, TSH, B12, folate
Consider HIV, syphilis if at risk
CXR if indicated
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, CT or MRI
Community Care services for dementia - ANS Alzheimer's Australia
Carers Australia
ACAT
My Aged Care
What are the recommended acetylcholinesterase inhibitors? - ANS Donepezil
Galantamine PR
Rivastigmine patch
Indicated for mild to severe disease
What are the side effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors? - ANS Nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, dizziness, urinary incontinence, falls, muscle cramps, anorexia and weight loss,
headache, insomnia. Rarely - heart block (MUST DO ECG BEFORE STARTING)
When should memantine be used? - ANS Second line in dementia when acetylcholinesterase
inhibitors are not tolerated or contraindicated
Or in combination with CEi if severe
Treatment of agitation in dementia - ANS If nonpharm methods failed - try citalopram
If severe behavioural and psychological symptoms (psychosis, aggression, agitation) try
risperidone (not first line, risk of stroke and incr death)
What are some nonpharm interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms of
dementia (BPSD)? - ANS For depression/anxiety:
@2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
