What characterizes the first stage of Alzheimer disease?

The first stage of Alzheimer's disease is typically characterized by absentmindedness about recent events. This early symptom often includes minor forgetfulness, such as misplacing items or forgetting conversations. Individuals at this stage may struggle to recall recent experiences or newly learned information, but they often maintain their independence in daily activities and still possess the ability to engage in conversations and perform familiar tasks.

As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms, such as significant memory loss, disorientation, and difficulty recognizing familiar people, emerge. However, in the initial stages, the memory lapses tend to relate to immediate or recent events, while long-term memories may still be intact. This distinction is essential for understanding the progression of Alzheimer's disease and how it affects cognitive function at different stages.