In which stage of Alzheimer's dementia is elopement least likely to occur?

• A. Middle stage (moderate)
• B. Late stage (severe)
• C. Prodromal stage
• D. Early stage (mild)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of elopement in Alzheimer's dementia, which refers to a person with dementia wandering away or leaving a safe environment without supervision.
2. Review the typical stages of Alzheimer's dementia: Prodromal (early signs), Early (mild), Middle (moderate), and Late (severe) stages, noting the cognitive and behavioral changes in each stage.
3. Recognize that elopement is most common when individuals still have enough mobility and some cognitive function to wander but may be confused or disoriented, which typically occurs in the early to middle stages.
4. Consider that in the late (severe) stage, patients usually have significant physical and cognitive impairments that limit their ability to move independently, thus reducing the likelihood of elopement.
5. Conclude that elopement is least likely in the early (mild) stage because individuals are generally more aware and less disoriented, making wandering away less common compared to later stages.