Which of the following best describes the nature of long-term memory in Alzheimer's patients?

The nature of long-term memory in Alzheimer's patients is characterized by being more preserved than short-term memory, making this the most accurate description. While Alzheimer's disease leads to progressive cognitive decline, short-term memory is often heavily impacted early on, with difficulties in storing and retrieving recent events and information.

In contrast, long-term memory, especially for memories formed prior to the onset of the disease, tends to remain more intact for a longer period. Patients may exhibit relatively good recall of past experiences, familiar faces, and well-learned information, even as their ability to form new memories diminishes. This distinction highlights the difference in how different types of memory are affected by the neurodegenerative processes associated with Alzheimer's, emphasizing the resilience of long-term memory in the face of this condition.