Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for Alzheimer’s Disease?

A key diagnostic criterion for Alzheimer’s Disease involves the presence of cognitive impairments, which can manifest in various ways. Apraxia, a deficit in the ability to carry out purposeful movements despite having the physical ability and understanding to perform them, is particularly relevant in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease. This condition often affects tasks related to daily living, indicating the impact of the disease on cognitive function.

In Alzheimer’s Disease, significant deficits in other areas of cognitive functioning may also be seen, such as memory, but the specific mention of apraxia highlights a distinct and observable impairment that can aid in diagnosis. The presence of apraxia suggests that the disease is advanced enough to affect motor planning—an important aspect of Alzheimer’s pathology.

The other options, while relevant to cognitive assessments, do not serve as specific criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease. For instance, decreased long-term memory is a common symptom, but it's considered a broader cognitive impairment rather than a unique feature. Similarly, visual acuity problems could occur due to separate health issues unrelated to Alzheimer's pathology. Increased executive functioning, on the other hand, would actually contrast with the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's, as this disorder typically leads to impairments in planning and decision-making. Thus, ap