Support is crucial for individuals living with Huntington’s disease and their families. Health professionals, psychosocial counselors, and support groups can provide guidance and support in this struggle. This support also includes learning to cope with the effects of the disease, improving quality of life, and strengthening social support networks. Increasing awareness of Huntington’s disease in society is also vital. Through education and awareness efforts, a general understanding of the symptoms and effects of the disease can be improved. This can help society provide a more understanding and supportive environment for individuals struggling with Huntington’s disease and their families.
What is Huntington’s disease?
Huntington’s disease is a rare neurological disease that is a genetic disorder and is characterized by the destruction of nerve cells over time. This disease occurs as a result of a mutation in the HTT gene, which is transmitted in an autonomic dominant manner (inherited from one of the parents) and causes Huntington’s disease. This gene codes for a specific protein in the body, and this mutation causes this protein to lengthen and accumulate abnormally.
Huntington’s disease is a progressive disease and its symptoms may worsen over time. This process may differ from person to person and there are various factors that affect the course of the disease.
Huntington’s disease test is a blood test used to determine a person’s risk of developing Huntington’s disease. The test measures the number of CAG repeats in a person’s HTT gene. The higher the number of CAG repeats, the higher the risk of contracting the disease.
Anyone born into a family with a history of Huntington’s disease can get tested. Test results determine a person’s risk of contracting the disease. People with a CAG repeat count of 35 or more have a high risk of contracting the disease. The risk is moderate in people with CAG repeats between 27 and 35. People with 26 or fewer CAG repeats have a low risk of developing the disease.
What are the symptoms of Huntington’s disease?
Huntington’s disease is characterized by the gradual destruction of nerve cells. This condition causes a variety of symptoms, such as difficulties in movement control, decreased cognitive abilities, and emotional changes. The disease usually occurs in middle age or early adulthood, but in some cases it may become evident later in life. Symptoms of Huntington’s disease usually appear between the ages of 30 and 40, but may also appear at earlier or later ages. The progression of the disease varies from person to person. Huntington’s disease symptoms include:
- Involuntary movements (chorea), muscle stiffness, imbalance and coordination problems
- Depression, anxiety, anger outbursts and psychosis
- Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, decreased problem-solving ability and mental decline
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Tiredness
- Sleeping disorders
- weight loss
How is Huntington’s disease treated?
There is currently no definitive treatment for Huntington’s disease. Treatment for Huntington’s disease focuses on relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Living with Huntington’s disease can be difficult, but support is available for patients and their families. Methods and treatments that can be used for Huntington’s treatment are as follows:
- Some medications that the doctor may prescribe can help control involuntary movements.
- Some psychiatric medications can be used to treat symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Medications and cognitive rehabilitation may be used to slow cognitive decline and memory loss.
- Physical therapy can help manage symptoms such as muscle weakness and imbalance.
- Speech therapy can help improve swallowing and speaking difficulties.
- Nutritional support may be needed to prevent problems such as weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.