An Alzheimer-type dementia is typically associated with impairment in which cognitive domain?

• A. Short-term memory
• B. Long-term memory
• C. Procedural memory
• D. Visual-spatial abilities

Answer: (A)

This item tests which cognitive domain is typically affected first in Alzheimer-type dementia. Early in the disease, the hippocampus and related medial temporal structures deteriorate, making it hard to form and retrieve new memories. This shows up as problems with short-term memory—trouble remembering recent events, conversations, or newly learned information right after learning it.

Long-term memory for older events and procedural memory (skills) rely on other brain systems and are often preserved in the early stages, while visual-spatial abilities may decline later as the disease progresses. So the most characteristic early deficit is short-term memory impairment.