Alzheimer's Disease is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Generalized degeneration of the brain, causing mental deterioration and premature senility.
• B. Degeneration of basal ganglia with dopamine deficiency.
• C. Inflammation of the meninges.
• D. Demyelination of peripheral nerves.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is recognizing a progressive, generalized neurodegenerative process that leads to cognitive decline and dementia. Alzheimer’s disease involves widespread brain degeneration with neuronal loss and atrophy, especially in memory-related regions like the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which produces the gradual mental deterioration, memory loss, and functional decline seen in patients.

This description fits Alzheimer’s because it captures the overall, brain-wide decline in cognitive function, not just a single system. The other options point to different conditions: degeneration of the basal ganglia with dopamine deficiency is characteristic of Parkinson’s disease and its motor symptoms; inflammation of the meninges describes meningitis; demyelination of peripheral nerves is typical of peripheral neuropathies or Guillain-Barré syndrome.