Early-stage Alzheimer's is characterized by which of the following symptoms?

• A. Mild memory loss and confusion
• B. Severe cognitive decline
• C. No symptoms
• D. Rapid personality change

Answer: (A)

Early-stage Alzheimer's shows up as subtle problems with memory and thinking that begin to affect daily life without stopping it completely. The most characteristic sign is mild memory loss, especially for recent events, names, or conversations, along with some confusion about time or place. People may also have word-finding difficulties or trouble planning and organizing tasks, but they can usually still do most daily activities with prompts or reminders. The other options describe either more severe decline, no symptoms, or a presentation not typical of the early phase, so they don’t fit as well. Therefore, mild memory loss and confusion best captures early-stage Alzheimer's.