Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) Practice

Which assessment finding would likely be seen in a client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease?

1. Severe personality changes

2. Complete memory loss

3. Forgetfulness

4. Hallucinations

The correct answer is: Forgetfulness

In early-stage Alzheimer's disease, a common assessment finding is forgetfulness. Individuals may begin to experience difficulty with memory tasks, such as forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments. This characteristic reflects the initial cognitive decline associated with the disease, as early-stage Alzheimer's often affects short-term memory while long-term memory may still be relatively intact for a while. The other options represent symptoms that are generally associated with later stages of Alzheimer's or other conditions. Severe personality changes typically occur as the disease progresses, not in the early stages. Complete memory loss is not typical in the early phase, as affected individuals usually retain some memories, especially from their past. Hallucinations are more likely to develop in the later stages when the cognitive decline becomes more pronounced. Therefore, forgetfulness is a hallmark of early-stage Alzheimer's disease and serves as a significant indicator for early diagnosis and intervention.