What degenerative disease is characterized by dementia and "dance-like" movements?

Huntington's chorea, the correct answer, is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. One of its hallmark features is the development of chorea, which consists of irregular, rapid, and dance-like movements. These involuntary movements are a result of neuronal degeneration in specific areas of the brain, notably the basal ganglia, which plays a crucial role in movement control.

In addition to motor symptoms, individuals with Huntington's chorea also suffer from cognitive decline and psychiatric issues, including dementia. The combination of these motor symptoms, particularly the distinctive chorea, and cognitive deterioration makes Huntington's chorea identifiable among degenerative diseases.

Other options present symptoms and characteristics of degenerative diseases, but do not effectively capture the combination of the chorea-like movements and dementia. For example, while Parkinson's disease features movement disorders such as tremors and rigidity, it does not typically present with chorea. Alzheimer's disease is primarily characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline without significant movement abnormalities. Lewy Body dementia incorporates elements of both Parkinsonism and cognitive decline, but it does not exhibit the specific dance-like movements characteristic of Huntington's chorea. Thus, Huntington's chorea stands out due to its