Cognitive Symptoms

With the progression of Huntington’s disease, the frontal lobe that is vital for functional memory can become impaired, leading to memory difficulties. In reality, this impairment impacts an individual’s ability to independently carry out daily tasks as the frontal lobe’s ability to understand the external environment and process, store and retrieve information is affected. This can be demonstrated through difficulties with concentration, recalling and retaining new information, being easily distracted and therefore struggling to complete tasks.  

Damage that occurs to the basal ganglia affects how information is received and understood by the frontal lobe. This directly affects the ability to organise, process and initiate tasks. This means an individual with Huntington’s disease can find it challenging to respond to unexpected changes, communicate their feeling clearly and to arrange their thoughts, activities, plans and feelings. In response, frustrations can often be expressed as the affected individual’s understanding of reality can be different from those around them.