PROGRESSIVE & NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS-HUNTINGTON’S & PARKINSON’S DISEASE, DEMENTIA

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain associated with action control, selection, and initiation of action.

Components of Basal Ganglia

Include striatum (caudate & putamen), globus pallidus, connected functionally to thalamus, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nuclei.

Huntington's Disease

A brain disorder causing progressive degeneration of nerve cells, affecting movement, cognition, and emotions.

Cause of Huntington's Disease

Genetically based, caused by a defective gene on chromosome 4, leading to neuron death in the striatum.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease - Motor

Involuntary movements (chorea), difficulty in initiating and executing movement.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease - Cognitive

Executive dysfunction, spatial processing issues, and memory problems.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease - Emotional

Depression, irritability, apathy, impulsivity.

Diagnosis of Huntington's Disease

Includes physical exams, family history, neuropsychological assessment, and genetic testing.

Parkinson's Disease

A brain disorder characterized by unintended movements, shaking, stiffness, and balance difficulties.

Cause of Parkinson's Disease

Damage to substantia nigra cells, halting dopamine production.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease - Motor

Tremors, rigidity, akinesia, posture disturbances.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease - Neuropsychological

Impairments in executive processes and emotional functioning.

Dementia

Gradual loss of higher cognitive functions due to diseases or trauma.

Reversible Dementia

Symptoms that mimic dementia but are caused by treatable conditions like medication effects or depression.

Alzheimer's Disease Hallmarks

Accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to synapse and neuron loss.

Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and lifestyle changes but no cure exists.

Vascular Dementia

Caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow; characterized by cognitive deficits.

Frontotemporal Dementia

A type of dementia affecting personality and language, with earlier onset than Alzheimer’s.

Differential Diagnosis

The process of distinguishing between two or more conditions with similar signs or symptoms.

Diagnosis Criteria for Dementia

Evidence of memory erosion and impairment in cognitive functions like language, motor activity, and executive function.

Pseudodementia

A condition mimicking dementia symptoms but typically caused by severe depression without brain degeneration.