Which of the following indicates a deficit in memory typically found in elderly patients?

Short-term memory loss is a hallmark sign of cognitive changes that can occur as people age. In elderly patients, this form of memory impairment often manifests as difficulty recalling recent events or new information, which may lead to repeated questions or misplaced items. Unlike long-term memory, which generally remains preserved longer in the aging process, short-term memory can decline significantly. This is not just a natural consequence of aging but can impact daily functioning and independence.

Long-term memory retention is typically better in elderly individuals, allowing them to recall past events and information from earlier in life. Increased recall abilities and selective memory preservation, on the other hand, denote a capacity to remember information better than what might be expected, contradicting the typical pattern seen with age-related memory deficits. Thus, short-term memory loss stands out as the most indicative sign of cognitive decline in older adults.