Which hereditary condition leads to involuntary movements of limbs and facial muscles, typically manifesting in middle age?

Which hereditary condition leads to involuntary movements of limbs and facial muscles, typically manifesting in middle age?

• A. Huntington's disease
• B. Alzheimer's Disease
• C. Parkinson's
• D. Presbyacusis

Answer: (A)

Huntington's disease is a progressive hereditary condition characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. It typically presents in middle adulthood, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including involuntary movements (chorea), changes in personality, and cognitive decline. The involuntary movements commonly affect the limbs and facial muscles, making it a distinctive feature of the disease. This condition is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to a buildup of the huntingtin protein, which is toxic to neurons. The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant, meaning that an individual only needs one copy of the faulty gene from either parent to develop the disorder. Early symptoms may begin subtly but tend to escalate over time, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to manage the complex challenges faced by individuals with the condition. In contrast, Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory and cognitive functions rather than causing pronounced involuntary movements. Parkinson's disease does involve movement-related symptoms but manifests primarily through tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia rather than the chorea seen in Huntington's. Presbyacusis refers to age-related hearing loss and is unrelated to movement disorders. Therefore, the attributes of Huntington's disease align best with the description provided in the question.

Huntington's disease is a progressive hereditary condition characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. It typically presents in middle adulthood, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including involuntary movements (chorea), changes in personality, and cognitive decline. The involuntary movements commonly affect the limbs and facial muscles, making it a distinctive feature of the disease.

This condition is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to a buildup of the huntingtin protein, which is toxic to neurons. The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant, meaning that an individual only needs one copy of the faulty gene from either parent to develop the disorder. Early symptoms may begin subtly but tend to escalate over time, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to manage the complex challenges faced by individuals with the condition.

In contrast, Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory and cognitive functions rather than causing pronounced involuntary movements. Parkinson's disease does involve movement-related symptoms but manifests primarily through tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia rather than the chorea seen in Huntington's. Presbyacusis refers to age-related hearing loss and is unrelated to movement disorders. Therefore, the attributes of Huntington's disease align best with the description provided in the question.