Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2025
07:42
An Automated T-maze Based Apparatus and Protocol for Analyzing Delay- and Effort-based Decision Making in Free Moving Rodents
Published on: August 2, 2018
13.8K
Disordered Decision Making: A Cognitive Framework for Apathy and Impulsivity in Huntington's Disease
Lee-Anne Morris1,2, Claire O'Callaghan3, Campbell Le Heron1,2,4
1Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Summary
Huntington's disease (HD) often involves apathy and impulsivity due to shared neurobiological causes. Understanding decision-making processes offers new treatment strategies for these debilitating HD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder.
- Apathy and impulsivity are common, debilitating symptoms in HD.
- These symptoms significantly reduce quality of life and are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurobiological mechanisms of apathy and impulsivity in HD.
- To apply a cost-benefit decision-making framework to understand these behaviors.
- To propose a mechanistic model for HD-related apathy and impulsivity.
Main Methods:
- Review of decision-making neuroscience literature.
- Application of a cost-benefit analysis framework.
- Development of a mechanistic model for behavioral disturbances in HD.
Main Results:
- Apathy and impulsivity in HD may stem from common neurobiological underpinnings.
- Decision-making neuroscience offers insights into these seemingly disparate symptoms.
- A cost-benefit framework can model the occurrence of apathy and impulsivity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding decision-making mechanisms is crucial for developing HD treatments.
- This framework can guide research priorities and biomarker discovery.
- New therapeutic strategies may emerge from this mechanistic understanding.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Decision Making
260
Decision-making is a fundamental cognitive process that involves evaluating alternatives and selecting among them. This process can range from simple choices, such as deciding what to wear, to complex decisions, like choosing a major in college or a career path. The complexity of the decision often dictates the approach we use, which can be broadly categorized into two types: automatic and controlled decision-making.
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
260
01:37Reason and Intuition
7.0K
The human brain processes information for decision-making using one of two routes: an intuitive system and a rational system (Epstein, 1994; popularized by Kahneman, 2011 as System 1 and System 2, respectively). The intuitive system is quick, impulsive, and operates with minimal effort, relying on emotions or habits to provide cues for what to do next, while the rational system is logical, analytical, deliberate, and methodical. Research in neuropsychology suggests that the...
7.0K
01:14Decision Making: Traditional Method
4.2K
The process of hypothesis testing based on the traditional method includes calculating the critical value, testing the value of the test statistic using the sample data, and interpreting these values.
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
4.2K
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
369
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
369
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
411
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
411
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
693
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
693