Which condition is recognized as irreversible and progressive?

Alzheimer disease is recognized as an irreversible and progressive condition that primarily affects memory and cognitive function. It is a type of dementia characterized by the gradual loss of ability to think, remember, and carry out daily activities. As the disease progresses, individuals experience worsening cognitive decline and may exhibit significant changes in behavior and personality.

Understanding Alzheimer's involves recognizing its degenerative nature; brain cells die, and connections between them are lost over time, leading to a continuous decline in cognitive abilities. This is in contrast to conditions such as delirium or acute confusion, which may be temporary and reversible, often resulting from factors like medication changes or infections. Short-term memory loss, while concerning, does not indicate the irreversible, progressive trajectory characteristic of Alzheimer disease.