What is the Difference Between Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Chorea?

Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease are both neurodegenerative disorders that involve the central nervous system and can cause various symptoms, including tremors, limb stiffness, difficulty walking or talking, and problems with thinking. However, there are differences between the two diseases:

1. Causes: Huntington's disease is an inherited disorder, with a parent passing a genetic mutation to their child. Parkinson's disease is generally considered idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. It is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and aging.
2. Motor Symptoms: While both diseases cause involuntary movements, the symptoms differ. Parkinson's disease is characterized by rigidity and slowed movements, while Huntington's disease causes more jerky movements.
3. Onset and Prevalence: Parkinson's disease typically develops in people aged 60 or older, with the risk increasing with age. Huntington's disease affects males and females at similar rates, with the age of onset usually between 30 and 55 years old. Huntington's disease is less common than Parkinson's disease, affecting about 15,000 people in the United States.
4. Progression: Both diseases are progressive, meaning they worsen over time, and neurodegenerative, meaning they lead to the dysfunction and death of nerve cells. However, the specific symptoms and rate of progression may differ between individuals with each disease.

Although neither disease is curable, medications and other treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.

Comparative Table: Parkinson’s Disease vs Huntington’s Chorea

Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease are both neurodegenerative conditions that affect the central nervous system and cause symptoms such as tremors, limb stiffness, difficulty walking or talking, and problems with thinking. However, there are differences between the two diseases, which are summarized in the table below:

Both diseases are progressive and currently have no cure. Treatment options for Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease aim to relieve or reduce symptoms and include medications and other therapies.