HUNTINGTON DISEASE

WHAT IT IS

• Huntington's Disease is a genetically neurological disease
• It's degeneration of nerve cells in certain areas of the brain
• Causing chorea and progressive dementia

WHAT CAUSES IT

• A single abnormal gene produces the disease
• That gene lies in chromosome 4
• The sequence of that chromosome 4 repeats itself dozens of times
• The abnormal chromosome causes HD
• HD causes the affected parts of the brain to progressively shrink

EFFECTS IN THE BRAIN

• Mainly the basal ganglia
• Cerebral cortex
• Caudate nuclei
• Frontal & temporal lobes
• Ventricles

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Involuntary jerking or shaking hands
• Slow uncoordinated fine movements
• Impaired posture and balance
• Acting without thinking
• Frequent falls and clumsiness

TREATMENT

• No way to slow or stop the changes in the brain
• Treatment for managing symptoms
• Medications include antipsychotic drugs and antidepressant

PREVENTION

• No prevention since it's genetic
• Genetic testing
• See a genetic counselor
• Discuss options of fertilization with donor egg or sperm

RESEARCH SITES

• www.mayoclinic.com
• www.stanford.edu

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