Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive brain disorder caused by a defective gene. This disease causes changes in the central area of the brain, which affect movement, mood and thinking skills.
Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50 but can begin much earlier or later. Because the disease is progressive, it gradually worsens over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years.
HD’s symptoms can include:
- difficulty concentrating and memory lapses
- depression
- stumbling and clumsiness
- involuntary jerking or fidgety movements of the limbs and body
- mood swings and personality changes
- problems swallowing, speaking and breathing
- difficulty moving
Full-time nursing care is needed in the condition’s later stages.
Huntington’s is a rare disease. It is not especially widespread in any particular population. All race and ethnic groups and both genders can be affected by it.
Huntington's disease is progressive and ultimately leads to disability and death (usually due to a coexisting illness or infection). However, the effects of this disease vary from person to person. The age of onset, specific symptoms, and rate of progression vary from patient to patient. The time from onset of illness to death is often about 10 to 30 years. Juvenile Huntington's disease is usually fatal within 10 years of onset of symptoms.
Currently, there's no cure for Huntington's disease or any way to stop it from progressing. Nevertheless, treatment and support can help decrease some of the problems it results in, such as:
- medicines for depression, mood swings and involuntary movements
- occupational therapy to help make everyday tasks easier
- speech and language therapy for feeding and communication problems
- physiotherapy to help with movement and balance
