+441518081136Commentary - Journal of Psychology and Cognition (2023) Volume 8, Issue 2
Understanding the genetic, neurological, and psychological impact of Huntington's disease.
Huntington's disease is a rare, inherited disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. It is characterized by progressive deterioration of muscle coordination and cognitive abilities, which can lead to severe disability and death. The disease is caused by a genetic mutation on chromosome 4, which leads to the production of an abnormal protein called Huntington that accumulates in the brain, ultimately leading to the death of nerve cells. Symptoms of Huntington’s disease typically develop gradually and can include: movement problems such as jerky, involuntary movements (chorea), cognitive decline, including difficulty with problem-solving, memory, and planning, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms such as depression, irritability, and impulsiveness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, loss of coordination and balance, fatigue, weight loss, changes in mood or personality.
Author(s): Noah Williams*