Question

_______ is a progressive disease that causes a loss of memory and intellectual and emotional function. a. Meningitis b. Parkinson's disease c. Amnesia d. Alzheimer's disease e. Stroke

Short answer

The correct answer is d. Alzheimer's disease.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the given disease description

The problem statement gives a description of a disease as a progressive one which causes a loss of memory and intellectual and emotional function. So, we need to identify which among the listed diseases fits this description.

Compare the given disease description with known characteristics of listed diseases

Meningitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Parkinson's disease is a long-term degenerative disorder of the nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. Amnesia is a form of memory loss, but not necessarily linked with a loss of intellectual or emotional function. Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Lastly, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to waste away (degenerate) and die. It's the most common cause of dementia - a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that disrupts a person's ability to function independently.

Identify the correct answer

From the above comparison, we find that Alzheimer's disease fits the given description. This disease is known to be a progressive disorder causing a continuous loss of memory and intellectual and emotional functions.

Key concepts

Progressive Neurological Disorder

When we speak of a progressive neurological disorder, we're referring to conditions that worsen over time, affecting the nervous system which is composed of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These disorders are often characterized by the gradual loss of neuron function or structure. Alzheimer's disease is a classic example of such a disorder.

As degeneration occurs, individuals may experience impaired memory, speech, and motor skills. The progression is typically slow and irreversible. Understanding Alzheimer's as a neurological disorder helps in recognizing the significance of early diagnosis and the development of treatments aiming to slow its progression, even though a cure is not yet available.

Dementia

Dementia is an overarching term used to describe a set of symptoms that severely affect cognitive tasks like memory and reasoning. It denotes a decline in mental ability, severe enough to hamper daily life. Not a disease itself, dementia serves as a descriptor for a collection of symptoms that can be caused by various diseases, the most common of which is Alzheimer's.

This decline in cognitive function is due to damage or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. Symptoms can span from challenges in problem-solving to changes in mood and behavior. Educating ourselves about dementia is key to recognizing its signs and providing proper care and support to those affected.

Memory Loss

Memory loss can be alarming and is often one of the first signs of cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's disease. It goes beyond misplacing keys or forgetting names; it can affect the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Initially, memory loss is typically short-term, meaning the recent information tends to slip away.

As Alzheimer's progresses, memory loss deepens and more significant portions of the memory can be affected. Patients may not recognize loved ones or may repeat questions without realizing. Awareness and education on memory loss are crucial, as they foster empathy and understanding for those experiencing it, and guide the approach in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's.