What is cystic fibrosis?

• A. A reversible neurodegenerative disease.
• B. A progressive neurodegenerative disease causing cognitive decline and functional impairment.
• C. A non-neurological metabolic disorder.
• D. An acute infectious disease.

Answer: (B)

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene that disrupts chloride and water transport across epithelial surfaces. This leads to thick, sticky mucus primarily affecting the lungs and the digestive system, causing chronic respiratory problems and pancreatic insufficiency. It is a progressive illness in terms of organ damage and health decline, but it is not a neurodegenerative disease and cognitive decline is not a hallmark feature. Among the given descriptions, the disease is not neurological, and the most accurate real-world understanding is that CF is a genetic multisystem exocrine disorder due to CFTR dysfunction.