How to Live With Huntington's Disease

An inherited disease, Huntington’s usually shows up during a patient’s middle-age years. A progressively degenerative condition, early symptoms may include sudden jerking and involuntary motions, followed by balancing trouble and incoordination. As the disease progresses, speech may become slurred. Dementia develops in the later stages of the disease. Living with this disease requires patience and persistence.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider genetic counseling if you experience early signs of Huntington’s. Since the disease is inherited, any child you have has a 50 percent chance of also developing the condition.

• 2

  Avoid stressful situations. While stress does not cause Huntington’s, the patient may be less emotionally equipped to deal with stress.

• 3

  Provide small bits of food that are easy to swallow and avoid large morsels that require chewing. As muscular function deteriorates, the risk of choking increases.

• 4

  Assist a Huntington’s patient with daily tasks, such as bathing, eating and mobility. Speak with your physician about prescribing a motorized wheelchair or a scooter to allow easy transportation of the patient.

• 5

  Remember that unless the disease affects a patient’s brain, he or she can still understand what is going on, although they may be unable to talk. Use discretion when conversing in front of them and be optimistic and cheerful.

• 6

  Schedule physical therapy to delay muscle atrophy and to reduce the risk of falling in the early stages of Huntington’s. In addition, mental puzzles and challenges can keep the brain sharper, longer.

• 7

  Ask your doctor about experimental drugs used to treat AIDS and cancer. You may qualify to enlist in a test group for new treatments.