Final answer:
Gary is most likely to first experience mild forgetfulness and confusion after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Early symptoms can progress to more severe memory loss, difficulty in planning and executing tasks, and changes in behavior. The distinction of Alzheimer's symptoms from normal aging lies in their severity and persistence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
The earliest symptoms Gary is most likely to experience after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are mild forgetfulness and confusion. Initially, individuals may experience disruptive memory loss and confusion about time or place. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include difficulty with planning and executing tasks, impaired judgment, and changes in personality and behavior. Individuals may also have problems with smelling certain scents, which can be an early warning sign. It is important to note that while some of these symptoms can be associated with normal aging, in Alzheimer's disease, they are more severe and persistent.
The presence of symptoms like having trouble with bill payments or managing a budget, which was previously done well, could also be a sign of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. More advanced stages of the disease involve increased memory, language, and cognitive deficits, and these symptoms escalate over time, leading to a significant impact on daily living and independence.