Huntington’s Disease
What is Huntington’s Disease? (HD)
It is a neurodegenerative disease meaning there is cell death in parts
of the brain.
The cell death results in an array of symptoms causing a slow deterioration of
the mind and body.
There is no cure for HD at this time although researchers are making great
strides.
What are the symptoms?
People with HD slowly lose the ability to speak, swallow, and walk.
They develop involuntary movements and increased difficulty with coordination.
Thinking and reasoning skills become impaired.
They may develop mood swings such as irritability, anxiety, and apathy.
Some will develop a Major Depression or other types of psychiatric symptoms
including
Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
In the end stages of the disease, the individual is usually unable to
communicate, and is totally dependent on others for care.
Do symptoms vary among individuals?
Symptoms vary greatly, even
among affected family members. Individuals may have quite different severities
of physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, or cognitive symptoms. For example,
one person may experience more severe and frequent involuntary movements than
another.
The rate of progression of the disease varies greatly as well.
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease are usually mild and progress over
time.
For example, individuals start to have an unsteady gait, begin to fall, become
weaker over time and require the use of a walker and wheelchair.
Death usually occurs 15-20 years after symptoms begin.
How many people have HD and at what age do they
develop symptoms?
At least 30,000 people in the US have HD. Currently 1 in every
10,000 Americans, including 5,000 children between the ages of six months and 18
years, have been diagnosed with HD.
There are another 250,000 people at risk for developing the disease.
While symptoms can begin at any age, from childhood to very late in life, most
commonly symptoms begin between the ages of 30 an 50.
Some individuals become symptomatic in their 20’s and others are in their 60’s.
Do children get Huntington’s Disease?
Yes, although it is uncommon, children as young as 2 have been diagnosed
with Juvenile Huntington’s Disease (JHD). Although it is the same underlying
disease as in adults, symptoms can differ and it can progress more rapidly.
How do you
get HD and is there a test?
HD is usually inherited from a parent with HD. Every child of a parent
with HD has a 50 % chance of inheriting the mutated gene. If an individual
inherits the mutated gene, they will develop the disease at some point in their
life unless they die of some other cause before symptoms begin.
There is a blood test to determine whether the genetic mutation is present. This
test can be used in those who have symptoms to confirm that they are due to HD.
It can also be used in those who do not yet have symptoms to determine if they
will get them one day (presymptomatic testing). This test is not performed in
minors. HDSA recommends that genetic testing be performed through a certified
testing center to insure sufficient counseling about the risks and benefits of
testing. The test results are 99.9 % accurate. The test cannot
determine the age of onset.
Is there any treatment for HD?
Although there are not yet any
treatments that slow down the progression of HD, there are many treatments to
help manage or lessen symptoms. These treatments may include medications,
physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, speech and swallowing
therapy, and counseling. There are many medications to help with mood swings
and behavior problems. High calorie diets keep weight on and often improve
speech and the ability to walk. Exercises and adaptive equipment may help
prevent falls. Many findings in the research labs are translating into clinical
trials to determine their potential to delay the onset or slow progression of HD
symptoms.
Please Help out my cause and Ask how you can help.. contact
Melinda at CureHD2006@aol.com
Thank you for your time!
Please take a look at these sites to learn more about
Huntington's Disease
HDSA.org
HDFoundation.org
hdny.org
hda.org
hda.org.uk
ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/huntington
livingwithhd.com/lwhd/HD
talkingtokidsabouthd.com
