13. Impaired Cognitive Function: The Hidden Toll of Juvenile Huntington’s Disease
One of the significant blows dealt by Juvenile Huntington’s Disease is the impairment of cognitive function. The capacity to think, learn, and remember — pillars of cognition — progressively deteriorate in a child suffering from JHD. This can present as the child’s inability to concentrate, problems processing information, or memory lapses. These cognitive symptoms can manifest subtly, and parents or teachers might initially attribute these changes to typical childhood distractions or lack of effort.
These cognitive issues stem from the disease’s effect on the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for most cognitive functions. The mutant huntingtin protein impacts the neurons in this region, leading to a decline in the child’s cognitive abilities. However, it’s essential to note that the degree of cognitive impairment can vary significantly among children with JHD.
The intellectual decline in children with JHD is more than an academic concern. It often causes a ripple effect, touching all areas of their lives.
For instance, the child’s social relationships may suffer as they struggle to keep up with their peers’ conversations or forget previously learned social rules. They might also find it increasingly hard to engage in their hobbies if these require cognitive skills like problem-solving or following instructions.
The cognitive impairment caused by JHD can be a severe blow to the child’s self-esteem, as they might start perceiving themselves as less competent than their peers. This can be quite distressing, leading to feelings of frustration, embarrassment, or even sadness. (13)
