Which of the following represents an early sign of Alzheimer's disease?

• A. Change in personality
• B. Multiple physical complaints
• C. Depressed mood
• D. Loss of memory

Answer: (D)

Alzheimer’s disease typically begins with problems in memory, especially difficulty remembering recent events and new information. This early memory impairment comes from initial changes in the brain’s memory circuits, like the hippocampus. People may forget conversations, misplace items, or repeatedly ask the same questions. Normal aging can include occasional forgetfulness, but it doesn’t disrupt daily functioning the way early Alzheimer’s memory loss does. While changes in personality or mood can occur as the disease progresses, they are not the earliest sign. Therefore, loss of memory best represents the initial, defining change in Alzheimer’s.