What is a Huntington Disease

Huntington's disease results from genetically programmed degeneration of brain cells, called neurons, in certain areas of the brain. This degeneration causes uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties, and emotional disturbance.

Who found this disorder

American doctor George Huntington first described this disorder in 1872.

How is Huntington's disease diagnosed?

HD is diagnosed through genetic and other neurological testing. Tests can be done before a person has any symptoms to determine if they are carrying the HD gene.

What can I do to help someone with Huntington's disease communicate?

Speak more slowly Exaggerate the sounds Speak louder (taking a deep breath before

speaking) Use gestures Keep sentences short Use alternative techniques such as word boards,

alphabet boards, picture boards, or electronic devices

Alternative Name for (HD)

Huntington chorea

Symptoms of (HD)

Increased clumsiness Loss of coordination and balance Slurred speech Jaw clenching or teeth grinding Difficulty swallowing or eating Continual muscular contractions Stumbling or falling

Symptoms-Mental (cont.)

Decreased concentration Forgetfulness and memory decline Poor judgment Difficulty making decisions or answering

questions Difficulty driving

Symptoms-Emotional (cont.)

Hostility/irritability Lack of energy Ongoing disinterest in life (lack of pleasure

or joy) Bipolar disorder (manic-depression) in some

Huntington's patients.

Incidence

About 7% of HD cases occur in people under the age of 20 years. The highest occurrence is in peoples of Western Europe descent, and relatively lower in the rest of the world.

There is no cure for Huntington's disease. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and providing

support and assistance to the patient and those close to him or her.

George Huntington

First to publish a description of the symptoms and course of the disease.

Discovered in 1871. Dealt with hereditary chorea as a

reminiscence of his childhood. Spent a lifetime in this specific

medical field but still worked as a general practitioner in medicine.

Never was a medical faculty or didn’t do research but will be remembered for this discovery.

Bibliography

www.google.com http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntingto

n/huntington.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington's_dise

ase http://www.medicinenet.com/

huntington_disease/article.htm