Which part of the brain is affected by atrophy in Huntington's disease?

Atrophy in Huntington's disease primarily affects the basal ganglia, particularly the striatum, which includes the caudate nucleus and putamen. This neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in these areas, leading to the hallmark symptoms of Huntington's disease, such as motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric issues.

The basal ganglia are involved in coordinating movement, and their atrophy disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which is critical for normal motor function. This dysregulation contributes to the involuntary movements and loss of voluntary control seen in patients.

In contrast, while other brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem, may show changes during the progression of the disease, the most significant and early involvement is observed in the basal ganglia. This makes the basal ganglia the central focus when discussing atrophy related to Huntington's disease. Understanding the pathophysiological changes in the basal ganglia helps in comprehending how Huntington's leads to its distinct clinical presentation.