With Huntington disease how are these parts of the brain affected:
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Pituitary
Hypothalamus
1. Cerebrum: In Huntington disease, the cerebrum, which is the largest part of the brain responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking, reasoning, and voluntary muscle movement, is severely affected. The degeneration of neurons in the cerebrum leads to motor, cognitive, and emotional symptoms characteristic of Huntington disease.
2. Cerebellum: The cerebellum, which is located beneath the cerebrum and is responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control, is also affected in Huntington disease. Degeneration of neurons in the cerebellum can result in impaired motor control, gait problems, and difficulties with balance.
3. Pituitary: The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating hormone production and secretion. While the pituitary gland itself is not typically a primary target of Huntington disease, some individuals may experience hormonal disturbances as a result of the disease affecting other parts of the brain involved in hormone regulation.
4. Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus, a small region of the brain below the thalamus, is involved in numerous physiological functions, including regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep-wake cycles, and hormonal balance. In Huntington disease, degeneration of neurons in the hypothalamus can lead to disturbances in these functions, resulting in symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and alterations in mood and emotional processing.