Which statement best describes Alzheimer’s disease?

• A. A progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and, finally, physical functioning
• B. A reversible mood disorder
• C. A degenerative joint disease
• D. An acute infectious disease

Answer: (A)

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, meaning brain cells gradually lose function and die over time. The statement you’re looking for is the one that describes it as a progressive and irreversible brain disorder with memory and cognitive skills deteriorating step by step, eventually impacting language and daily functioning. That pattern—slow, ongoing decline from memory problems to broader cognitive and functional loss—is what defines Alzheimer’s and distinguishes it from conditions that are episodic or affect other parts of the body. In contrast, a reversible mood disorder could improve with treatment, a degenerative joint disease affects the joints rather than the brain, and an acute infectious disease comes on suddenly and is not the steady, long-term brain degeneration seen in Alzheimer’s.