Huntington's Disease

By: Walter Gerring and Seth Little

Background Information

What is it?

– The genetic degeneration of brain cells, called neurons, in certain areas of the brain – Causes uncontrollable movements, loss of intellectual faculties, and emotional disturbance – Inherited disease, each child of an HD parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the HD gene

Symptoms of HD

Early symptoms are mood swings, depression, irritability or trouble driving, learning new things, remembering a fact, or making a decision As the disease progresses, concentration on intellectual tasks becomes more difficult and the patient may have difficulty feeding himself or swallowing http://youtube.com/watch?v=lkfSx3Qd9e g

Causes

Caused by a single abnormal gene Autosomal dominant disorder because only one copy of the defective gene, inherited from either parent, is necessary to produce the disease 50 % chance of obtaining if one parent has the gene

When to seek Medical advice?

See your doctor if there are changes in your movements, emotional control or mental ability (may not be HD) Family history of Huntington's disease, you may want to talk with your doctor

Diagnosis

Doctor performs a physical exam Obtains family history and prior medical history A computerized tomography or an MRI scan may show any changes to your brain's structure Your doctor may suggest a blood test

Complications

Over time every day functions worsen like eating, swallowing, speaking and walking Many people develop depression and are at risk for suicide Death is usually the result of the disease due to the complications from an infection or fall

Treatment

Medications to help symptoms Therapy- speech, physical and occupational Experimental treatments and research

Self Care

Exercise regularly Maintain proper nutrition Drink plenty of fluids

References

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/h untingtons-disease/DS00401 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/s ections/huntingtons_disease/