Huntington's Disease

General Information on Huntington's Disease

Huntington’s disease is a chronic, hereditary disease of the nervous system, which results in involuntary movements and dementia. Research suggests that glutamine abnormally collects in certain brain cell nuclei, causing cell death. Huntington’s disease affects men and women of all races. It is a genetic disorder. Any child of a parent with Huntington’s disease has a 50% risk of inheriting the disease. Symptoms can begin at any age but most commonly begin in early adulthood.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

Symptoms may include:

Abnormal Involuntary body movements (Chorea)
Abnormal facial movements
Slurred speech
Intellectual decline
Personality changes
Depression
Mood swings
Dementia
Difficulty chewing
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty walking
Loss of bladder and bowel control

Treatments For Huntington's Disease

There is no cure for Huntington’s disease. Medication can be given to help the patient manage the symptoms. The patient usually succumbs in 10 to 15 years from heart failure, pneumonia, or infection. Falling and choking are also common causes of death for those affected by Huntington’s disease.

Personal Experience

Huntington's Disease - personal experiences