Huntington's disease
Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that leads to the gradual deterioration of brain cells. It’s a rare condition but has a profound impact on the affected individual’s life.
The degeneration of brain cells results in problems with physical movements, cognitive abilities, and mental health.
Huntington’s disease affects a wide range of a person’s functional abilities, causing both physical and mental struggles.
People with Huntington’s disease can receive expert diagnosis and specialized treatment at Neurology One under the supervision of the best neurologists in Orlando. Our team have been committed to care for people with Huntington’s disease, and have been leaders creating HD Centers of Excellence.
Huntington’s disease symptoms can emerge at any stage of life. However, they commonly show up in individuals between their 30s and 40s. If the manifestation occurs prior to 20 years old, it is referred to as juvenile Huntington’s disease. The symptoms in early-onset cases are distinct, and the progression of the disease is usually more rapid.
Symptoms
Movement disorders
Huntington’s disease can affect movement, thinking, and mental health in different ways, and everyone experiences it differently. Some symptoms may be more severe at first, but they can change over time as the disease progresses.
- Writhing or jerking of the body (chorea)
- Dystonia (contracture of the muscles) and rigidity of the muscles
- An unusual or slow movement of the eyes
- Posture, balance, and gait impairments
- Speech or swallowing difficulties
The impairment of voluntary movements — instead of involuntary movements— may have a greater effect on the ability to perform daily activities, interact with others, and function independently.
Cognitive disorders
Huntington’s disease is associated with cognitive impairments such as:
- The inability to organize, prioritize, or focus on tasks
- Getting stuck on thoughts, behaviors, or actions (perseverance)
- Acting without thinking, outbursts, and sexual promiscuity due to a lack of impulse control
- The inability to recognize one's own behavior and abilities
- Having difficulty 'finding words' or processing thoughts
- The inability to learn new information
Psychiatric disorders
Huntington’s disease is most commonly associated with depression. Huntington’s disease diagnosis wasn’t simply the cause of this reaction. Instead, brain injury and alterations in brain function contribute to depression. Symptoms may include:
- Apathy, sadness, or irritability
- Insomnia
- Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Social withdrawal
In addition to these disorders, there are other ones as follows:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts
- Mania is characterized by elevated mood, excessive activity, impulsive behavior, high self-esteem
- Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternate episodes of depression and mania
Aside from the above disorders, It is common for people with Huntington’s disease to lose weight as the disease progresses.
Symptoms of juvenile Huntington's disease
Younger people may experience Huntington’s disease differently than adults. An early stage of the disease is characterized by the following problems:
Behavioral changes
- Difficulty paying attention
- The rapid, significant drop in overall school performance
- Behavioral problems
Physical changes
- Contracted and rigid muscles that affect gait (especially in young children)
- Tremors or slight involuntary movements
- Frequent falls or clumsiness
- Seizures
How is it inherited?
A faulty gene leads to Huntington’s disease, which gradually damages parts of the brain.
There is usually only a chance that you will develop it if either of your parents has or has had it. Women and men can both get it.
In the case of a parent who carries the Huntington’s disease gene:
- Affected children have a 50 percent chance of passing the gene onto their children - that is 1 in 2 (50%) chance.
- Unaffected children cannot pass the condition on to their children - 1 in 2 (50%) chances that they will never develop the condition.
In rare cases, Huntington’s disease can be acquired without having a family history of it.
However, this is most likely due to the fact that one of your parents never had it diagnosed.
When to see a Neurologist?
Multiple conditions can cause the signs and symptoms of Huntington’s disease. This is why it is important to get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible.
Consult your doctor if:
- Someone in your family has Huntington's disease, and you're worried you might have symptoms
- If you notice changes in your emotional state, movement or mental ability.
- It runs in your family, so you want to know if you will get it, too
- Your family has a history of this condition, and you plan to become pregnant
Your Neurologist may refer you for tests to check for Huntington’s disease.
Treatment and support
Huntington’s disease is incurable and has no cure or treatment at present.
But support and treatment can alleviate some problems caused by it, including:
- Involuntary movements, depression, and mood swings can be treated with medications
- Making everyday tasks easier with occupational therapy
- Feeding and communication problems can be treated with speech and language therapy
- Balance and movement can be improved with physiotherapy
Help with Everyday task
If you have Huntington’s disease, daily activities such as eating., moving around the house, and dressing can be challenging.
If you are having difficulty doing a particular activity, your occupational therapist can help you find another way to do it.
To make things easier for you, they can suggest household improvements and equipment.
These can include:
- Accessing an area in a wheelchair by installing ramps
- Installing a stairlift
- The use of grab rails - for instance, on the staircase or beside the bed - can assist the elderly
- Make cooking easier by using large-handled utensils, electric can openers and electric toothbrushes.
Help with eating and communication
If you are having difficulty communicating or eating due to Huntington’s disease, a speech and language therapist and a dietitian can assist you.
A few examples of what they can advise are:
- A picture chart or an electronic speech device can be used as an alternative method of communication
- Weight loss can be prevented with a high-calorie diet
- How to make chewing and swallowing food easier
- Some people may require a stomach-directed feeding tube.
Help with movement and balance problems
Staying active is important if you have Huntington’s disease. Your mental and physical health can be improved by doing this.
When you have balance and coordination problems, regular walking with the help of an aid like a walking stick can be very helpful.
Movement problems can also be helped by a physiotherapist.
It is possible that they will recommend things such as:
- Plan for exercising
- Using your joints to move and stretch (manipulation)
- Perform cognitive exercises
- Eat a healthy diet
The best neurologists in Orlando, including clinically trained neurologists and specialists in movement disorders, offer expertise on Huntington’s disease.
