Huntingtons Disease

What Is Huntingtons Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited disorder that causes the progressive degeneration and breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. The disease has a broad impact on a person’s movement and cognitive functions, and typically occurs during prime working years. Most people with the disease develop signs and symptoms in their 30s or 40s, but onset may occur earlier or later in life. When the disease manifests before age 20, it is called juvenile Huntington’s disease, and may result in somewhat different symptoms, and more rapid disease progression.

Huntington’s disease is a fatal condition, and at present there is no cure. It affects both sexes, and all races and ethic groups worldwide. The disease has been described as having the symptoms of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS—all at the same time. Passed genetically, Huntington’s is a family disease—every child of a parent with the disorder has a 50% chance of carrying the Huntington’s gene. Today, approximately 30,000 Americans have active Huntington’s, and more than 200,000 are at risk of potentially inheriting this serious disorder—but the devastating effects of this disease touch many more. Within a family, multiple generations may have inherited the disease, and those at risk of developing the disease may experience extreme stress and trauma from the uncertainty.

For more infomation, please visit the Huntington’s disease slideshow

What Causes Huntingtons Disease

Risk Factors For Huntingtons Disease

Diagnosing Huntingtons Disease

Symptoms of Huntingtons Disease

Prognosis

Living With Huntingtons Disease

Screening

Prevention

Medication And Treatment

Complementary and Alternative Treatment

When To Contact A Doctor

Questions For Your Doctor

Questions For A Doctor

Resources