This monograph describes the progress in neuropathological HD research made during the last century, the neuropathological hallmarks of HD and their pathogenic relevance. Starting with the initial descriptions of the progressive degeneration of the striatum as one of the key events in HD, the worldwide practiced Vonsattel HD grading system of striatal neurodegeneration will be outlined. Correlating neuropathological data with results on the functional neuroanatomy of the human brain, subsequent chapters will highlight recent HD findings: the neuronal loss in the cerebral neo-and allocortex, the neurodegeneration of select thalamic nuclei, the affection of the cerebellar cortex and nuclei, the involvement of select brainstem nuclei, as well as the pathophysiological relevance of these pathologies for the clinical picture of HD. Finally, the potential pathophysiological role of neuronal huntingtin aggregations and the most important and enduring challenges of neuropathological HD research are discussed.
"This multiauthored monograph is a comprehensive overview of Huntington's disease by experts in this field. ... The photographs are of consistently high quality. The captions are complete and accurate. ... For a basic scientist, neurologist, neuropathologist, or anyone with an interest in neurodegenerative disease, this book provides a thorough review and authoritative update on Huntington's disease. It is a reliable resource and a complete academic delight." (Sherry Krawitz, Doody's Book Reviews, March, 2016)