Which term describes a chronic, irreversible deterioration in mental function with supportive management?

• A. Delirium
• B. Dementia
• C. Hyperosmolar state
• D. Hyperventilation syndrome

Answer: (B)

The main idea is distinguishing a chronic, irreversible decline in cognition from acute, reversible conditions. Dementia describes a long-term, progressive loss of cognitive function that worsens over months to years and is generally not reversed by treatment; care focuses on safety, maintaining function, and providing long-term support for the patient and caregivers. Delirium, in contrast, is an abrupt, fluctuating change in mental status usually triggered by an acute illness or factor and can improve once the underlying cause is treated. A hyperosmolar state is a metabolic emergency that can alter consciousness but is not a degenerative cognitive disorder and can improve with proper metabolic management. Hyperventilation syndrome involves anxiety-driven breathing changes and acute symptoms, not a chronic cognitive decline.