What is the target of damage in Huntington's Disease?

Answer 1

In Huntington's disease, the primary target of damage is the basal ganglia, particularly the striatum, which includes the caudate nucleus and putamen. This neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in these areas, leading to motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. The underlying cause is a mutation in the HTT gene, which results in the production of an abnormal protein that ultimately causes cellular toxicity and neuronal death.