Alzheimer's disease is characterized by which of the following?

Alzheimer's disease is primarily characterized by gradual memory loss, changes in personality, and a decline in the ability to care for oneself. It is a neurodegenerative condition that affects cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and behavior, leading to difficulties in performing everyday activities.

Patients with Alzheimer's may initially struggle with remembering recent events or conversations, and as the disease progresses, they can experience changes in their mood or behavior, which can result in confusion, social withdrawal, and increased dependency on caregivers. These symptoms highlight the progressive nature of the disease, making it crucial to recognize its impact on both the individual and their support network.

In contrast to this correct characterization, other options describe conditions associated with different medical issues. Wasting away of the muscles equates more closely to muscular dystrophy or other neuromuscular disorders, involuntary shaking relates to conditions like Parkinson's disease, and sudden onset weakness or paralysis is indicative of acute neurological events, such as strokes. These distinctions are important for understanding the unique nature of Alzheimer's disease compared to other neurological disorders.