What are the hallmark symptoms of advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease?

In advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease, one of the most notable symptoms is the inability to recognize loved ones. This occurs as the disease progresses and impacts areas of the brain associated with recognition and memory. The profound cognitive decline results in significant changes in behavior, which can include withdrawal, confusion, agitation, and other emotional responses as the individual struggles to navigate their surroundings and the people in their lives.

Individuals in this stage may exhibit significant shifts in emotional regulation and social behavior, leading to feelings of distress or frustration when they cannot recall familiar faces or understand their environment. This inability to recognize familiar people and the associated behavior changes are critical indicators of the disease's progression and impact on the individual’s cognitive and emotional functioning.

Other options, while they contain elements related to Alzheimer's disease, do not encompass the most defining characteristics observed in advanced stages, such as profound recognition loss and significant alterations in behavior.