Huntington's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

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Huntington's Disease (HD) is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. It has a broad impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive), and psychiatric disorders. While there is no cure for Huntington's disease, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. — Easy Chicken Mozzarella Recipe: Delicious & Quick!

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may develop symptoms earlier or later than others. Symptoms can include:

  • Movement Disorders:
    • Involuntary jerking or writhing movements (chorea)
    • Muscle rigidity or contracture (dystonia)
    • Slow or abnormal eye movements
    • Impaired gait, posture, and balance
    • Difficulty with physical production of speech or swallowing
  • Cognitive Disorders:
    • Difficulty organizing, prioritizing, or focusing on tasks
    • Lack of impulse control
    • Lack of awareness of one's own behaviors and abilities
    • Slowness in processing thoughts
    • Difficulty learning new information
  • Psychiatric Disorders:
    • Feelings of irritability, sadness, or apathy
    • Social withdrawal
    • Insomnia
    • Fatigue and loss of energy
    • Frequent thoughts about death, dying, or suicide

Causes of Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is caused by an inherited defect in a single gene. This defective gene provides the genetic code for an abnormal version of the huntingtin protein. The huntingtin protein is found throughout the body and brain. The altered protein leads to abnormalities that ultimately cause Huntington's disease symptoms.

Genetic Inheritance

People with Huntington's disease typically have one copy of the defective gene and one normal copy. Each child of a parent with HD has a 50% chance of inheriting the defective gene. Children who do not inherit the gene will not develop the disease and cannot pass it on to subsequent generations. — Fibroid Expulsion: What Does It Look Like?

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of Huntington's disease is based on a neurological examination, a review of the person's medical and family history, and genetic testing. Brain-imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may be used to evaluate changes in the brain. — I'm Not Opposed To It: Meaning Explained

Treatment

There is no cure for Huntington's disease, but treatments can help manage symptoms. These include medications to control movement disorders and psychiatric symptoms. Supportive therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, can also help people maintain their functional abilities and quality of life. Research is ongoing to develop new treatments that may slow the progression of the disease.

Medications

  • Tetrabenazine and Deutetrabenazine: These medications can help control chorea.
  • Antipsychotics: These medications can help suppress involuntary movements and treat psychiatric symptoms.
  • Antidepressants: These medications can help treat depression and other mood disorders.

Therapies

  • Physical Therapy: To improve strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Occupational Therapy: To help people adapt to changes in their abilities and maintain independence.
  • Speech Therapy: To improve communication and swallowing skills.

Living with Huntington's Disease

Living with Huntington's disease can be challenging, but there are resources available to help people and their families cope with the disease. These include support groups, counseling, and respite care. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.

Learn more about Huntington's Disease from the Huntington's Disease Society of America