ABRET Neurological Disorders Practice Test

The atrophy associated with Huntington's disease predominantly involves the basal ganglia, specifically the striatum, which consists of the caudate nucleus and putamen. This neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by progressive motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms that arise due to the loss of neurons in these structures. The basal ganglia play a crucial role in the regulation of movement and coordination, and their degeneration leads to the hallmark symptoms of chorea and movement abnormalities seen in affected individuals.

While other brain structures, such as the thalamus, cerebellum, and midbrain, may also experience some degree of atrophy or involvement in the later stages of the disease or through secondary effects, the primary and most significant changes are localized to the basal ganglia. Understanding the focus of atrophy in Huntington’s disease is vital for diagnosing and developing treatment strategies, as it highlights the specific neural circuits that are impacted by this genetic disorder.

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