Huntington's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

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Huntington's disease 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 Huntington's disease is incurable, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.

Understanding Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease, also known as Huntington's chorea, affects muscle coordination and leads to mental decline and behavioral symptoms. The disease is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 4. This defect causes a part of DNA, called a CAG repeat, to occur many more times than it should. Normally, the CAG segment is repeated 10 to 35 times. But in Huntington's disease, it is repeated 36 to more than 120 times. The more repeats there are, the earlier the onset of symptoms tends to be. — Worthington Brougham: Quality Furniture & Design

Causes and Risk Factors

Most people with Huntington's disease have a parent with the disorder. If one parent has Huntington's disease, there is a 50% chance that the child will inherit the gene. Everyone who inherits the gene for Huntington's disease will eventually develop the disease. In very rare cases, Huntington’s disease can develop when no parent has the disorder. This is due to a new genetic mutation.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

Symptoms of Huntington's disease can vary greatly from person to person. Some of the most common include: — Chargers Vs Giants: Expert Prediction & Preview

  • 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 speech and swallowing
  • Cognitive Disorders:
    • Difficulty organizing, prioritizing, and 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:
    • Depression
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Insomnia

Diagnosis and Treatment

A diagnosis of Huntington's disease is typically based on a neurological examination, a review of the person's medical and family history, and genetic testing. Imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, may also be used to evaluate changes in the brain. — Jay Shetty & Emma Watson: Deep Conversation Podcast

While there is no cure for Huntington's disease, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. These may include medications to control movement disorders and psychiatric symptoms, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help maintain function and independence. Support groups and counseling can also be helpful for people with Huntington's disease and their families.

Living with Huntington's Disease

Living with Huntington's disease can be challenging, but with appropriate medical care and support, people with the disease can maintain their quality of life. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease, it is important to seek out resources and support to help manage the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of the disease. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and social support can all help people with Huntington's disease live as fully as possible.