Which of the following is an inherited disorder?
Stroke
Concussion
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Huntington’s Disease
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Huntington’s Disease.
Explanation:
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that if one parent carries the mutated gene for HD, there is a 50% chance that their child will inherit the disorder. The gene responsible for Huntington’s Disease is located on chromosome 4, and it involves an abnormal expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat. The mutation leads to the production of a faulty version of the huntingtin protein, which causes progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for movement, cognition, and emotions.
The symptoms of Huntington’s Disease typically appear between the ages of 30 and 50 and include uncontrolled movements (chorea), cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. As the disease progresses, individuals lose the ability to perform basic motor functions and experience significant cognitive impairment, eventually leading to death, usually 10 to 20 years after symptoms begin.
In contrast, stroke and concussion are not inherited disorders. A stroke occurs due to an interruption of blood flow to the brain, often caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel, and is influenced by lifestyle factors, age, and other health conditions but is not directly inherited. A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head and is also not inherited but can be influenced by the risk of future concussions in individuals with a history of head injuries.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves. While the exact cause is unknown, it is not inherited and is often triggered by an infection, such as a viral illness.
Thus, Huntington’s Disease is the only inherited disorder in this list.