As dementia progresses, which of the following is most likely to occur in relation to stress response?

• A. Stress levels typically decrease as dementia advances because individuals become less aware of their environment.
• B. The physiological stress response becomes more efficient as dementia progresses.
• C. Individuals with advanced dementia are usually able to use complex problem-solving strategies to manage stress.
• D. Individuals may experience increased difficulty coping with stress due to impaired cognitive functioning.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of dementia as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
2. Recognize that as dementia advances, cognitive decline affects the individual's ability to process and respond to environmental stressors effectively.
3. Consider how impaired cognitive functioning reduces the capacity to use complex coping strategies, leading to increased difficulty managing stress.
4. Note that physiological stress responses do not become more efficient; rather, the overall ability to regulate stress is compromised.
5. Conclude that increased difficulty coping with stress is the most likely outcome as dementia progresses, due to the decline in cognitive resources necessary for effective stress management.