College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by chorea and progressive intellectual deterioration?

1. Parkinson's disease

2. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

3. Huntington's disease

4. Alzheimer's disease

The correct answer is: Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is characterized by chorea, which refers to involuntary and irregular movements, as well as progressive intellectual deterioration. This neurodegenerative disorder is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to the degeneration of specific neurons in the brain, particularly in areas that are involved in movement control and cognitive function. As the disease progresses, individuals experience motor symptoms that can include not just chorea but also dystonia and difficulties with coordination. Concurrently, cognitive decline occurs, affecting functions such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Behavioral changes may also be evident, contributing to the overall intellectual deterioration. In contrast, Parkinson's disease primarily features tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia without the chorea characteristic of Huntington's disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads primarily to muscle weakness and atrophy without the chorea or significant cognitive decline seen in Huntington's. Alzheimer's disease, while it includes progressive intellectual deterioration, does not typically feature chorea; instead, it is characterized by memory loss and other cognitive deficits associated with the degeneration of brain cells. Thus, the combination of chorea and cognitive decline distinctly identifies Huntington's disease as the correct answer.