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Huntington's Disease is a progressive genetic disorder that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. The disorder is characterized by uncontrolled movements, cognitive decline, and psychiatric problems.
read more about huntingtons disease ...The mechanism involves a defective gene on chromosome 4. This defect causes an abnormal buildup of the huntingtin protein in the brain, which is toxic to the nerve cells, causing them to degenerate and die.
Chorea presents as brief, irregular movements of the face, trunk, and limbs. Balance problems, unsteady gait, and frequent stumbling appear as control declines. Muscle rigidity and slowed eye movements affect reading and tracking. Speech becomes slurred and swallowing grows difficult with progression. Motor changes combine with cognitive and mood symptoms over time.
The disorder impacts cognitive and mood function significantly, causing difficulty with decision-making, mood swings, depression, and loss of mental flexibility. These changes often precede the onset of obvious physical movement problems.
Huntington's disease directly impacts eye health by causing severe defects in saccades (rapid eye movements used to switch focus between two objects). The eyes may move too slowly, or the patient may have difficulty starting or stopping a glance, affecting reading and visual tracking.
Management focuses on treating the symptoms. There is currently no cure. Medication is used to manage movement and mood disorders. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are used to maximize mobility and communication.
Yes, the disease is inherited. If a parent has the gene, the child has a 50 percent chance of inheriting it.
Symptoms typically begin between 30 and 50, but a juvenile form can appear earlier.
Yes, a simple blood test can determine if a person carries the gene that causes the disease.
If you notice involuntary "jerking" movements (Chorea) or sudden personality changes in a family member at risk, see a neurologist. While there is no cure, medications like Tetrabenazine can manage chorea. Predictive genetic testing should always be accompanied by professional genetic counseling.
NINDS. Huntington's Disease (ninds.nih.gov). 2025.
NHS. Huntington's Disease (nhs.uk). 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Huntington's Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
MedlinePlus. Huntington Disease (medlineplus.gov). 2025.