AEMCA Practice Exam

What is Huntington's disease characterized by?

1. A disease causing the death of brain cells

2. An infection of the bone

3. A type of arthritis

4. A viral infection leading to immunodeficiency

The correct answer is: A disease causing the death of brain cells

Huntington's disease is indeed characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the brain, particularly affecting areas involved in movement, cognition, and emotional regulation. This neurodegenerative condition is caused by an inherited genetic mutation in the Huntington gene, which ultimately leads to the death of specific brain cells over time. The consequences of this cell death manifest as a variety of symptoms, including motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric issues, which progressively worsen as the disease advances. This highlights the critical nature of the brain cell degeneration seen in Huntington's disease, differentiating it from other conditions such as infections, arthritis, or immunodeficiency, which involve entirely different biological processes. Understanding this characteristic allows for better recognition and study of Huntington's disease within the broader context of neurodegenerative disorders.