The brain has many parts and each part has a primary function. Just as certain areas of the brain are responsible for movement and regulating body temperature, certain areas of the brain are responsible for certain behaviors. The frontal lobes are responsible for many important tasks, some of which are:
Organizing
Prioritizing
Controlling impulses
Self-awareness
Initiating and ending activities
While the caudate nucleus connects with many parts of the brain, it has the most connections with the frontal lobes. The caudate nucleus, located within the basal ganglia, incurs the greatest number of destroyed neurons as a result of HD. To read more about how the basal ganglia is affected by HD, click here. The connections between the brain’s cells or neurons provide the means by which information travels in the brain. The function of the caudate nucleus is to regulate, organize and filter information. Thus, the many connections between the caudate and the frontal lobes play a large role in determining our behaviors. To learn more about neurons and connections within the brain, click here.
As the caudate deteriorates, the connections to the frontal lobes fail to work properly so that the person with HD is unable to control feelings, thoughts or movements. Also, the functions of the frontal lobes (listed above) may not be carried out efficiently. Neural messages may not reach the frontal lobes, or the improper amount of messages may be sent as a result of damage to the caudate and its connections. Imagine, for example, that lima beans are served to an individual who does not like lima beans. An undamaged caudate would lead to a little bit of frustration or irritation. In the case of a damaged caudate, however, too much of the "anger signal" is sent and the individual may have a temper tantrum.
As an organizer, the caudate assists the frontal lobes in prioritizing the transfer of information to other parts of the brain. Messages from several parts of the brain may be sent to the frontal lobes at the same time with a request. If the caudate and its connections with the frontal lobes are damaged, the brain can’t transfer information as easily or effectively. This makes it difficult for people with HD to prioritize tasks and organize their day as well as handle a number of stimuli simultaneously.
For individuals with caudate damage, organizing daily activities and multi-tasking may be very challenging. Dealing with unexpected events or a number of distractions can be particularly frustrating and may trigger emotional outbursts because the caudate is unable to regulate emotions. Usually a problem behavior such as excessive anger or aggression is triggered by something in the environment but exaggerated by HD. Fatigue can also increase behavior problems, as people with HD require more energy to accomplish daily activities, making it especially important for them to get an adequate amount of sleep. A dependable daily routine may minimize some behavioral symptoms of HD. For suggestions on how to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for a person with HD, click here.
For an individual newly diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, the realization that life changes are occurring or are likely to occur in the future can be very upsetting. Frustration, irritability, depression, and feelings of helplessness are understandable reactions to changing capabilities and responsibilities. In addition, HD often results in communication difficulties that can be very isolating and frustrating. For suggestions of methods for improving communication skills, click here.
As a result of the movement symptoms or communication difficulties, individuals with HD may suffer from a loss of self-confidence. This loss of self-confidence may be responsible for the apparent lack of interest in social engagements or activities that an individual enjoyed previously. For example, a specific activity may have previously defined the individual’s role in the family or may have contributed to his/her sense of self-esteem. A person may, for instance, take pride in her musical ability. If she is no longer able to play her saxophone because of HD, she may lose her sense of identity. Caregivers may want to take steps to help an individual with HD maintain their sense of identity and personality.
Sometimes behavior changes in a person with HD may not be related to HD at all. Unfortunately, side effects such as drowsiness, apathy, nausea, and depression can accompany medications for certain HD symptoms. Also, as the disease progresses, physical discomfort may increase, which in turn may lead to behavioral and emotional changes. The natural aging process (including menopause) or other illnesses may also contribute to changes in behavior. For example, HD sufferers often have undetected hearing or vision impairments, which if left untreated may result in frustration-induced behavior problems.
Last Modified: 1-01-03
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As the caudate deteriorates, the connections to the frontal lobes fail to work properly so that the person with HD is unable to control feelings, thoughts or movements. Also, the functions of the frontal lobes (listed above) may not be carried out efficiently. Neural messages may not reach the frontal lobes, or the improper amount of messages may be sent as a result of damage to the caudate and its connections. Imagine, for example, that lima beans are served to an individual who does not like lima beans. An undamaged caudate would lead to a little bit of frustration or irritation. In the case of a damaged caudate, however, too much of the "anger signal" is sent and the individual may have a temper tantrum.
As an organizer, the caudate assists the frontal lobes in prioritizing the transfer of information to other parts of the brain. Messages from several parts of the brain may be sent to the frontal lobes at the same time with a request. If the caudate and its connections with the frontal lobes are damaged, the brain can’t transfer information as easily or effectively. This makes it difficult for people with HD to prioritize tasks and organize their day as well as handle a number of stimuli simultaneously.
