General Description
Huntington's disease is a disease that causes the progressive breakdown in the brain. Huntington's disease can have a major impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, and thinking and disorders. Every one out of 10,000 people have Huntington’s disease in the world but in the United States, almost 30,000 people have Huntington’s disease. People with Huntington's disease usually develop signs and symptoms in their 30s or 40s, but the major parts of disease do not show until a later time. If the disease begins before the age of 20, this condition is called juvenile Huntington's disease.
Pathophysiology
Huntington's disease is an inherited disease that causes certain nerve cells in the brain …show more content…
Later, Huntington’s disease can take away the ability to walk, talk, and swallow. Some people stop recognizing family members. Others are aware of their environment and are able to express emotions. If one of your parents has Huntington's disease, you have a 50 percent chance of getting it. A blood test can tell you if have the Huntington’s disease gene and will develop the disease. Genetic counseling can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking the …show more content…
Experimental therapies for Huntington's disease currently are being tested in animal models and human trials. Therapeutic options include dopamine-depleting agents like reserpine, tetrabenazine, and dopamine-receptor antagonists called neuroleptics. These medications are not to cure but to help with symptoms Long-term use of these drugs may carry a high risk of adverse effects. Choreic movements in patients with Huntington's disease should be treated pharmacologically only if they become disabling to the patient. Neuroleptics may worsen other features of the disease, such as bradykinesia and rigidity, leading to further functional decline. Various support groups and counseling/therapy services are available to support such
Huntington's disease is a disease that causes the progressive breakdown in the brain. Huntington's disease can have a major impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, and thinking and disorders. Every one out of 10,000 people have Huntington’s disease in the world but in the United States, almost 30,000 people have Huntington’s disease. People with Huntington's disease usually develop signs and symptoms in their 30s or 40s, but the major parts of disease do not show until a later time. If the disease begins before the age of 20, this condition is called juvenile Huntington's disease.
Pathophysiology
Huntington's disease is an inherited disease that causes certain nerve cells in the brain …show more content…
Later, Huntington’s disease can take away the ability to walk, talk, and swallow. Some people stop recognizing family members. Others are aware of their environment and are able to express emotions. If one of your parents has Huntington's disease, you have a 50 percent chance of getting it. A blood test can tell you if have the Huntington’s disease gene and will develop the disease. Genetic counseling can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking the …show more content…
Experimental therapies for Huntington's disease currently are being tested in animal models and human trials. Therapeutic options include dopamine-depleting agents like reserpine, tetrabenazine, and dopamine-receptor antagonists called neuroleptics. These medications are not to cure but to help with symptoms Long-term use of these drugs may carry a high risk of adverse effects. Choreic movements in patients with Huntington's disease should be treated pharmacologically only if they become disabling to the patient. Neuroleptics may worsen other features of the disease, such as bradykinesia and rigidity, leading to further functional decline. Various support groups and counseling/therapy services are available to support such