HUNTINGTON’S CHOREA

I.Overview

Huntington's disease is an inherited disease that causes the progressive

breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington's disease has a broad
impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking
(cognitive) and psychiatric disorders.

Medications are available to help manage the symptoms of Huntington's disease, but
treatments can't prevent the physical, mental and behavioral decline associated with the
condition.

II. Symptoms

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. And stress or excitement can
worsen symptoms. Some symptoms are easier to spot than others. Abnormal
movements may be the first thing you notice. Weight loss can be a concern at all
stages. In the later stage of the disease people with it tend to depend on other people
for their everyday needs. Walking and speaking are no longer possible.

III. Causes

Huntington’s is a hereditary disease you can’t “catch it” from someone else. It is
caused by a defect in a single gene. Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant
disorder, which means that a person needs only one copy of the defective gene to
develop the disorder.

IV. Risk Factors

Having a parent with Huntington’s is the risk factor. An offspring of the parent
having Huntington’s has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

V. Treatment

No treatment can alter the course of Huntington’s disease. But medication can
lessen some symptoms of movement and psychiatric disorders. And multiple
interventions can help a person adapt to changes to his or her abilities for a certain
amount of time.