ANA 303 Parkinsons Vs Huntingtons

Question 1

Affected Brain Regions

Answer 1

Parkinsons

Substantia Nigra (midbrain), Basal Ganglia

Huntingtons

Striatum (particularly caudate nucleus and putamen), Cortex

Question 2

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Answer 2

Parkinsons
Dopamine deficiency in the substantia nigra

Huntingtons
Abnormal protein (mutated huntingtin) affecting neurons

Question 3

Basal Ganglia Involvement

Answer 3

Parkinsons
Disruption in basalganglia circuitry

Huntingtons
Predominant atrophy and degeneration in the striatum

Question 4

Pathological Features

Answer 4

Parkinsons

Lewy bodies (alpha- synuclein aggregates)

Huntingtons

Mutated huntingtin protein causing damage to neurons

Question 5

Motor Symptoms

Answer 5

Parkinsons
Tremors, bradykinesia
(slowness of movement), rigidity, postural instability

Huntingtons
Chorea (involuntary, jerky movements),
motor dysfunction

Question 6

Genetic Basis

Answer 6

Parkinsons

Mostly sporadic, some cases linked to specific genetic mutations

Huntingtons

Autosomal dominant inheritance, caused by HTT gene mutation

Question 7

Cognitive Symptoms

Answer 7

Parkinsons

Mild cognitive impairment in later stages

Huntingtons

Progressive cognitive decline, difficulties in planning

Question 8

Psychiatric Symptoms

Answer 8

Parkinsons

Less prominent, some cases may develop depression or anxiety

Huntingtons

Common psychiatric symptoms including mood changes and personality alterations

Question 9

Onset Age

Answer 9

Parkinson’s
typically occurs later in life, after the age of 60

Huntington’s
onset usually occurs in adulthood with a range of ages