basic geriatric nursing 8th edition test bank Related

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Which common cognitive impairment is often mistaken for normal aging in older adults?

  • A. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
  • B. Alzheimer's disease
  • C. Dementia with Lewy bodies
  • D. Vascular dementia
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is often mistaken for normal aging because it involves subtle changes in memory and thinking abilities that are beyond what is expected for age but not severe enough to be classified as dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience forgetfulness or difficulty with complex tasks, which can be misconstrued as typical age-related changes. Alzheimer's disease (B), dementia with Lewy bodies (C), and vascular dementia (D) are all forms of dementia characterized by more significant cognitive decline and functional impairment compared to MCI, making them less likely to be confused with normal aging.