The Physiology of a Neurodegenerative Disease: Huntington’s Disease

The Physiology of a Neurodegenerative Disease: Huntington’s Disease

Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines

Dean Randel

Colorado Christian University

Abstract

Part 1

The patient, Gerald, has been diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease (HD). His niece Amanda is a science student currently in grad school. Amanda is trying to get more information regarding HD and its symptoms and treatment options. Gerald is exhibiting the following symptoms:

* Twitchy movements

* Odd facial expressions

* Difficulty balancing/walking

* Irritability

Amanda has reached out to some of her classmates that are further along in their schooling then herself for more information.

Part 2

As Amanda learns more about her Uncles condition, she realizes that HD is a serious disease and has no known cure. Her friends comfort her and inform her that Gerald will need increasingly more help and compassion as he works through this disease. Another of her friends informs her that HD especially targets spiny neurons of the striatum, affecting the production of the neurotransmitter GABA.

Questions

Part 1

1. What are the classic symptoms of HD, and how are these similar to and different from symptoms of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s?

a. Involuntary jerking or writhing movements (chorea)

b. Muscle problems, such as rigidity or muscle contracture (dystonia)

c. Slow or abnormal eye movements

d. Impaired gait, posture and balance

e. Difficulty with the physical production of speech or swallowing

f. Difficulty organizing, prioritizing or focusing on tasks

g. Lack of flexibility or the tendency to get stuck on a thought, behavior or action (perseveration)

h. Lack of impulse control that can result in outbursts, acting without thinking and sexual promiscuity

i. Lack of awareness of one's own behaviors and abilities

j. Slowness in processing thoughts or ''finding'' words

k. Difficulty...