What is Huntington’s Disease?

• Hereditary degenerative neurological disease (protein disorder autosomal dominant)
• Common for ages 30 to 50
• There is no cure for the condition, but can be reduced with medication.

It causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to gradually break down and die. The disease attacks areas of the brain that help to control voluntary (intentional) movement, as well as other areas.

List similar conditions:

Common Symptoms

Complications

Huntington’s disease is a neurological condition, and the neurological effects usually lead to systemic complications, such as:

• Malnutrition
• Infections
• Eating difficulties
• Lack of muscle coordination (fall)
• Depression

How is it Diagnosed?

• Medical history

• Family history 
• Neurological examination
• Brain imaging test (MRI, CT, PET) 
• Laboratory tests

• Genetic test (if necessary)

Treatment

• Physical therapy- therapy to optimize your walking and coordination.
• Swallow therapy- to help you chew, eat, and swallow safely.
• Nutritional supplements – if can’t eat adequately, or antibiotics if you develop an infection.

Drugs:

• Tetrabenazine- can treat chorea associated with huntington’s disease.

• Antipsychotic drugs -  may ease chorea and help to control hallucinations, delusions, and violent outbursts.

Prognosis

Huntington's illness currently has a poor prognosis. The typical life expectancy is between 10 and 20 years.