About Huntington's Chorea
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline and dementia. It's the most common genetic cause of chorea (abnormal involuntary writhing movements). Physical symptoms of Huntington's disease can begin at any age, but often begin between 35 and 44 years of age. It is highly possible that parents pass along Huntington's disease to their child since it's a genetic disorder.
In the early stages of Huntington's disease, there are subtle changes in personality and physical skills. The physical symptoms are usually the first to be noticed. The cognitive and psychiatric symptoms are generally not severe enough to be recognized on their own at the earlier stages. Eventually, most people have similar symptoms, but the cognitive symptoms vary between individuals.
Medical diagnosis of the onset of HD can be made following the appearance of physical symptoms specific to the disease. Genetic testing can be used to confirm a physical diagnosis. Even before the onset of symptoms, genetic testing can confirm if an individual or embryo carries an expanded copy of the trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene that causes the disease. The disease can impact an individual's psychology, career, family planning decisions, relatives, and relationships.
Educational WebsitesHuntington Study Group The Huntington Study Group (HSG) is a global non-profit organization composed of physicians and other health care providers who have experience in the care of Huntington patients. The HSG was formed in 1993, prompted by the recognition that clinical research in Huntington disease (HD) required a large number of participants under the cooperative care of skilled and experienced research physicians. Huntington's Disease Society of America HDSA is a national, voluntary health organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with Huntington's Disease and helping their families, promote and support research and medical efforts to eradicate Huntington's disease, and educate the public and health professionals about Huntington's disease. Huntington's Disease Advocacy Center The HDAC website includes message boards, chat rooms and caregiver websites to help families cope with Huntington's Disease. The HDAC has a very in depth FAQ page. The website also has many achieved articles on the movement disorder. It's a great educational tool for those who want to learn more or have Huntington's Disease. Huntington's Disease Lighthouse Family This Huntington Harbor Lighthouse is where Dr. George Huntington observed and wrote about Huntington's disease patients. His research continues to inspire and give hope to families coping with Huntington's disease. This website includes many years of HD research. HDBuzz - Huntington's Disease Research News HDBuzz is Huntington's disease research and news in simple language. It is contributed to by scientists and is used to educate others around the world. The HDBuzz website includes information regarding authors and editors, FAQs, their funding, how they rank Huntington's disease articles, and more. |
