Deterioration
Deterioration
Deterioration (/dɪˌtɪəriəˈreɪʃən/) is a term used in medicine to describe the progressive decline or worsening of a condition, function, structure, or system of the body. The term is derived from the Latin deterior, meaning 'worse'.
Etymology
The term 'deterioration' is derived from the Latin word deterior, which means 'worse'. It is composed of the prefix de- (down) and terior (inferior), thus signifying a downward or negative progression.
Usage in Medicine
In the medical field, deterioration is often used to describe the worsening of a patient's condition. This could be due to the natural progression of a disease, a lack of response to treatment, or the onset of a new illness or complication. For example, in neurology, cognitive deterioration refers to the progressive decline in cognitive function, which is a common symptom in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Related Terms
- Degeneration: This term is often used interchangeably with deterioration, but it specifically refers to the process of breaking down or becoming worse over time, often due to age or wear and tear.
- Progression: In medicine, progression refers to the course of a disease over time. It is often used in the context of deterioration, as diseases often progress to a worse state.
- Regression: This is the opposite of deterioration, referring to the process of becoming less severe, less complex, or returning to a previous, usually healthier, state.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Deterioration
- Wikipedia's article - Deterioration
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