Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It is an inherited condition, meaning it is passed down from parents to children through genes.
What is Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. It is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which leads to the production of a toxic protein called mutant huntingtin. This protein damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain, leading to a decline in physical, mental, and emotional abilities.1
HD is characterized by a triad of symptoms: movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disturbances. Movement disorders may include involuntary writhing movements (chorea), muscle rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and impaired balance and coordination. Cognitive impairment can range from mild memory problems to severe dementia. Psychiatric disturbances may include depression, anxiety, irritability, and psychosis.
HD is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms worsen over time. The rate of progression varies from person to person, but the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 15 to 20 years. There is currently no cure for HD, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Learn About Huntington’s Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of Huntington’s disease (HD) can vary from person to person, but there are some common features that are seen in most cases. These include:
- Movement disorders: Involuntary writhing movements (chorea) are the most common movement disorder associated with HD. Other movement disorders may include muscle rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and impaired balance and coordination.
- Cognitive impairment: HD can cause a range of cognitive problems, from mild memory problems to severe dementia. Common cognitive symptoms include difficulty with attention, concentration, and problem-solving. Memory loss and impaired judgment are also common.
- Psychiatric disturbances: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and psychosis are common psychiatric symptoms of HD. These symptoms can be very distressing and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
The symptoms of HD typically begin in mid-adulthood, but they can also start earlier or later in life. The rate of progression varies from person to person, but the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 15 to 20 years.
Discover Huntington’s Disease Treatment Options
There is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease (HD), but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.2 These treatments include:
- Medications: A variety of medications can be used to treat the symptoms of HD, including movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disturbances. These medications can help to improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. It can also help to reduce pain and stiffness.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help people with HD to learn how to adapt to their changing abilities and to perform everyday tasks more easily.
- Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help people with HD to improve their speech and communication skills.
These treatments can help to improve the quality of life for people with HD, but they cannot stop the progression of the disease. Research is ongoing to find new treatments and a cure for HD.
Learn More About Huntington’s Disease
If you or someone you know is affected by Huntington’s disease (HD), there are a number of resources available to help. These resources include:
- The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA): The HDSA is a non-profit organization that provides support and services to people with HD and their families. The HDSA also funds research into HD.
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): The NINDS is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NINDS funds research into HD and other neurological disorders.
- The Huntington’s Disease Research Foundation (HDRF): The HDRF is a non-profit organization that funds research into HD. The HDRF also provides support and services to people with HD and their families.
These resources can provide information, support, and guidance to people affected by HD.