Alzheimer's Symptom: Verb Tense Choice

The sentence describes a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer's disease. We need to choose the verb tense that best expresses a general truth or a habitual occurrence associated with the condition.

Verb Tense Analysis

• Option 1: $experienced$ (Simple Past) - Refers to a specific event in the past. This doesn't fit a general characteristic of the disease.
• Option 2: $has experienced$ (Present Perfect) - Suggests an action started in the past with relevance to the present, but less suitable for stating a general fact than the simple present.
• Option 3: $is experiencing$ (Present Continuous) - Describes an action happening right now. While a patient *is* experiencing memory loss, the sentence aims to state a general fact about the disease's effects.
• Option 4: $experiences$ (Simple Present) - Used for facts, general truths, and habitual actions. Alzheimer's disease characteristically causes short-term memory loss, making this the most appropriate choice for a general statement.

Sentence Completion

Using the simple present tense, the sentence becomes:

A person suffering from Alzheimer's disease experiences short-term memory loss.

This structure correctly states a defining characteristic or symptom of Alzheimer's disease.