Huntington's disease

 

 

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 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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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