Nearly 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, and more than 200,000 others are at risk of inheriting the condition.
Anwar Ahmed, MD, an AdventHealth neurologist who specializes in movement disorders, breaks down what you should know about this condition, including your risk factors, symptoms to look for and treatment options.
What is Huntington’s Disease?
“Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurological condition that gradually affects your brain cells, causing deterioration to your emotional, mental and physical abilities,” explains Dr. Ahmed.
There are two types of Huntington’s disease:
- Adult onset: This is the more common form of Huntington’s disease, with symptoms typically beginning after age 40.
- Early onset, also known as juvenile Huntington’s disease: Rarely, Huntington’s disease can begin in childhood and adolescence.
The condition affects males and females equally, and children of parents with Huntington’s disease have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene. If the child does not inherit the gene from their parent, they cannot continue to pass it on, but if they do inherit the HD gene, they will develop Huntington’s disease at some point in their life.
Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease
Symptoms of Huntington’s disease vary in each individual but often include the following:
- Forgetfulness and impaired judgment
- Loss of coordination
- Personality changes and mood swings
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Trouble walking
- Uncontrolled movements
A person’s symptoms may begin with mood changes, trouble with concentration or small involuntary movements and will increase over time. “Symptoms typically worsen over 10 to 15 years and affect a person’s walking, speaking and reasoning abilities,” says Dr. Ahmed. “As the disease progresses, people in the advanced stages of Huntington’s disease will have difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs) on their own and will eventually need full-time care.”
How is Huntington’s Disease Diagnosed?
“If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms and are looking for answers, visit a neurologist for help finding a diagnosis,” says Dr. Ahmed. “Your doctor will perform physical and neurological examinations, looking for symptoms like twitches, jerking movements and issues with your balance, coordination and reflexes. In addition to these examinations, you’ll speak to your neurologist, psychiatrist and geneticist about your family health history, and your doctor will then order a genetic test to confirm or rule out Huntington’s disease.”
Your doctor may order blood or imaging tests to rule out other possible conditions.
Though Huntington’s disease isn’t preventable, if you have a parent or sibling with the condition, you can elect to have genetic testing done even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.
Treatments for Huntington’s Disease
While there is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease, there are treatments available to help you manage your symptoms. Physical and occupational therapists will work with you to help you develop your strength and assist with navigating safely throughout your day.
In addition, for those having difficulty speaking and eating, speech-language pathologists and nutritionists can guide you with communication and eating and swallowing safely. Psychologists and psychiatrists on our team provide help to treat mood problems in Huntington’s disease.
Additionally, there are opportunities to participate in clinical research in finding a cure for Huntington’s disease.
“Huntington’s disease is challenging, and having a support system is essential,” explains Dr. Ahmed. “If you have a loved one with the condition, your lasting support will mean the world. On the other hand, if you’ve received an HD diagnosis, we encourage you to reach out to your support system for emotional and physical assistance.”
We’re by Your Side at AdventHealth
When it comes to managing your health conditions, you’re never alone. Dr. Ahmed and our skilled neurological team at AdventHealth are prepared to help you at every stage of Huntington’s disease. Schedule an appointment to learn more today.
