Which statement about Alzheimer's disease is true?

Which statement about Alzheimer's disease is true?

• A. It is a genetic disease with no cognitive decline.
• B. It is the second most common type of dementia.
• C. It is the most common type of dementia, characterized by gradual short-term memory loss, apathy, and depression.
• D. It is primarily caused by cerebrovascular disease.

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of how Alzheimer's disease typically presents and how it fits among common dementias. The true statement is that Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, and it is characterized by gradual short-term memory loss, often accompanied by changes in mood such as apathy and depression. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, so memory impairment starts insidiously and worsens over time, with other cognitive domains becoming affected as it advances. Mood and motivation changes, including apathy and depressive symptoms, are common as brain networks involved in emotion and behavior are impacted. The other descriptions don’t fit because they imply scenarios that aren’t accurate for Alzheimer’s: while there are familial forms, it is not a genetic disease with no cognitive decline. It is the most common form, not the second most common. And it isn’t primarily caused by cerebrovascular disease; that would describe vascular dementia, which has a different underlying pathology and clinical course.

This question tests understanding of how Alzheimer's disease typically presents and how it fits among common dementias. The true statement is that Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, and it is characterized by gradual short-term memory loss, often accompanied by changes in mood such as apathy and depression. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, so memory impairment starts insidiously and worsens over time, with other cognitive domains becoming affected as it advances. Mood and motivation changes, including apathy and depressive symptoms, are common as brain networks involved in emotion and behavior are impacted.

The other descriptions don’t fit because they imply scenarios that aren’t accurate for Alzheimer’s: while there are familial forms, it is not a genetic disease with no cognitive decline. It is the most common form, not the second most common. And it isn’t primarily caused by cerebrovascular disease; that would describe vascular dementia, which has a different underlying pathology and clinical course.