Alzheimer's disease typically differs from small strokes in onset and course.

• A. Gradual onset with slowly progressive course
• B. Sudden focal signs
• C. Immediate decline with rapid recovery
• D. No memory impairment in early stages

Answer: (A)

Alzheimer's disease starts with subtle, insidious memory loss and a slow, steady cognitive decline that unfolds over months to years. Small strokes, on the other hand, produce abrupt, focal neurologic deficits that come on suddenly and may stabilize or improve after the event. Because the course of Alzheimer's is gradual and progressive, the option describing a gradual onset with a slowly progressive course best fits its pattern. The other options describe sudden or rapid changes or lack of memory impact early on, which align more with vascular events rather than the typical early course of Alzheimer's.