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Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 5/2011

01-10-2011

Cognitive Impairment in Huntington Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment

Author: Jane S. Paulsen

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 5/2011

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Abstract

Cognition has been well characterized in the various stages of Huntington disease (HD) as well as in the prodrome before the motor diagnosis is given. Although the clinical diagnosis of HD relies on the manifestation of motor abnormalities, the associated impairments have been growing in prominence for several reasons. First, research to understand the most debilitating aspects of HD has suggested that cognitive and behavioral changes place the greatest burden on families, are most highly associated with functional decline, and can be predictive of institutionalization. Second, cognitive impairments are evident at least 15 years prior to the time at which motor diagnosis is given. Finally, cognitive decline is associated with biological markers such as brain atrophy, circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, and insulin-like growth factor 1. Efforts are now underway to develop valid and reliable measures of cognition in the prodrome as well as in all stages of HD so that clinical trials can be conducted using cognitive outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Cognitive Impairment in Huntington Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment
Author
Jane S. Paulsen
Publication date
01-10-2011
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 1528-4042
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6293
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-011-0215-x

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