Final answer:
The most likely diagnosis for the patient's symptoms is Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely diagnosis for the 72-year-old patient with increasing forgetfulness, decreased activity, and decreased appetite is Alzheimer's disease (AD). The symptoms described, such as forgetfulness and changes in mood and behavior, are common in AD.
The patient's mini mental status exam score of 24 suggests cognitive impairment, and declining to answer some questions and needing to be urged to participate further support the diagnosis of AD.