Huntington's Disease/Dementia

Question 1

Huntington’s

Answer 1

Rare, hyperkinetic movement disorder
Often compared to Parkinson’s
Inherited disorder caused by mutations in HTT gene
Leads to degeneration of neurons in basal ganglia

Question 2

Onset/progression

Answer 2

Onset around 30-50 years
Progresses over the course of 15-20 years after onset

Question 3

Pathology

Answer 3

Loss of some neurons in the caudate
Indirect basal ganglia thalamocortical circuitry affected
At death, brain volume can be decreased by as much as 25%

Question 4

Motor symptoms

Answer 4

Chorea - involuntary, irregular, purposeless muscle movements (dance-like)
Bradykinesia - slowness of movement
Dystonia - involuntary muscle contractions
Parkinsonian symptoms (rigidity)

Question 5

Cognitive symptoms

Answer 5

Executive dysfunction
Memory loss