What is Alzheimer's disease characterized by behaviorally?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Alzheimer's disease is primarily characterized by cognitive decline, particularly memory loss, which manifests behaviorally as anterograde amnesia—the inability to form new memories after the onset of the disease. This condition often leads to confusion, as individuals struggle to recall recent events or recognize familiar faces. These symptoms arise due to the degeneration of neurons and brain structures involved in memory and cognition, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex.

In contrast, the other options describe symptoms more associated with different neurological or psychiatric disorders. For instance, severe physical tremors and rigidity are hallmarks of Parkinson's disease, while loss of motor skills and coordination can be associated with various types of neurodegenerative disorders. Excessive mood swings and anxiety are more reflective of mood disorders or anxiety disorders rather than the primary behavioral manifestations of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, anterograde amnesia and confusion accurately represent the behavioral characteristics of Alzheimer's disease.