Pathophysiology of Huntington’s Disease Huntington’s disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that causes both motor and cognitive dysfunction in those diagnosed. Since Huntington’s is an autosomal-dominant disorder, those expressing the gene will develop the disorder, and children of the affected individuals will have a fifty percent chance of inheritance (Walker, 2007). The effect of this disease causes deterioration in many areas of the brain, however, this deterioration occurs at a moderate rate. As a result, individuals tend to notice cognitive impairments before the motor symptoms develop. Once the disease displays visible signs and symptoms, the individual has a prognosis of 15 to 20 years (Walker, 2007). While the prognosis remains fairly consistent, the age of onset and assessment findings can vary due to the pathophysiology of the disease. To comprehend the disease as a whole, and how it affects individuals differently, it’s important to understand the pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and treatments of the disease.
Pathophysiology
Huntington’s …show more content…
While learning the effects the mutated Huntingtin gene has on areas of the brain, such as the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex, it makes it easier to understand the progression of symptoms and why certain treatments are used. For example, the neurons affected throughout the basal ganglia tend to present motor symptoms later due to the extensive damage that has to occur to affect the indirect motor pathway. Furthermore, learning about the motor and cognitive deficits that occur through the disease process can help with recognizing treatments, since only symptoms can be managed in Huntington’s. Overall, the disease progression of Huntington’s is quite extensive, but knowledge of the pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment can help with an individuals
Pathophysiology
Huntington’s …show more content…
While learning the effects the mutated Huntingtin gene has on areas of the brain, such as the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex, it makes it easier to understand the progression of symptoms and why certain treatments are used. For example, the neurons affected throughout the basal ganglia tend to present motor symptoms later due to the extensive damage that has to occur to affect the indirect motor pathway. Furthermore, learning about the motor and cognitive deficits that occur through the disease process can help with recognizing treatments, since only symptoms can be managed in Huntington’s. Overall, the disease progression of Huntington’s is quite extensive, but knowledge of the pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment can help with an individuals