Huntington's disease

Definition

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disease that causes certain nerve cells in the brain to waste away. People are born with the defective gene.

Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms usually do not appear until middle age. However, early symptoms of HD may include:

a) Uncontrolled movements

b) Clumsiness

c) Balance problems

Late symptoms include:

a) Inability to walk, talk and swallow

b) Stop recognizing family members

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic factors (if one of the parents has an HD gene, there are 50% chances of getting it)

Investigations

Blood test is conducted to check for the presence of HD gene.

Treatment

There is no cure. Medicines can help manage some of the symptoms, but cannot slow down or stop the disease.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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