Huntington's disease
Huntington's disease is an inherited neurodegenerative condition. It is a progressive and incurable condition that typically results in death 20 years after the initial symptoms develop.
Genetics
Features typical develop after 35 years of age
Genetics
- autosomal dominant
- trinucleotide repeat disorder: repeat expansion of CAG
- results in degeneration of cholinergic and GABAergic neurons in the striatum of the basal ganglia
- due to defect in huntingtin gene on chromosome 4
Features typical develop after 35 years of age
- chorea
- personality changes (e.g. irritability, apathy, depression) and intellectual impairment
- dystonia
- saccadic eye movements
