As Alzheimer's disease progresses to the late stage, what typically happens to a person's communication skills?

• A. They improve due to increased support from caregivers.
• B. They fluctuate unpredictably but never decline significantly.
• C. They remain mostly intact, with only minor difficulties in finding words.
• D. They become severely impaired, with individuals often losing the ability to speak or understand language.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive functions, including communication skills.
2. Recognize that in the early stages, individuals may experience mild difficulties such as trouble finding words or slight confusion in conversation.
3. Note that as the disease advances to the late stage, the brain areas responsible for language and communication deteriorate significantly.
4. Realize that this deterioration leads to severe impairment in communication abilities, where individuals often lose the ability to speak coherently or understand spoken language.
5. Conclude that the correct description of communication skills in late-stage Alzheimer's is severe impairment, not improvement or minor difficulties.