Which option represents a category of progressive, degenerative dementias?

Which option represents a category of progressive, degenerative dementias?

• A. Sleep apnea
• B. Acute delirium
• C. Depression
• D. Other degenerative dementias

Answer: (D)

Progressive, degenerative dementias are neurodegenerative conditions in which brain damage accumulates over time, causing steadily worsening cognition and function. The category "other degenerative dementias" best fits this idea, as it encompasses the various progressive dementia disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The other options describe conditions that can impair cognition but are not degenerative: sleep apnea can cause cognitive symptoms but is treatable and not a progressive brain disease; delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance due to illness or meds; depression can mimic cognitive impairment yet is mood-related and often reversible.

Progressive, degenerative dementias are neurodegenerative conditions in which brain damage accumulates over time, causing steadily worsening cognition and function. The category "other degenerative dementias" best fits this idea, as it encompasses the various progressive dementia disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The other options describe conditions that can impair cognition but are not degenerative: sleep apnea can cause cognitive symptoms but is treatable and not a progressive brain disease; delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance due to illness or meds; depression can mimic cognitive impairment yet is mood-related and often reversible.