What is Huntings chorea?

Huntington's chorea (HC), also known as Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain. It was first described in 1872 by American physician Charles Waters. The disease is characterized by uncontrolled movements, a decline in cognitive abilities, and psychiatric disturbances.

Symptoms of Huntington's Chorea:

- Uncontrolled movements (chorea)

- Cognitive decline (dementia)

- Psychiatric disturbances (depression, anxiety, psychosis)

- Difficulty speaking and swallowing

- Weight loss

- Fatigue

Causes of Huntington's Disease:

Huntington's disease is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The HTT gene provides instructions for making a protein called huntingtin. In people with Huntington's disease, the HTT gene contains a CAG trinucleotide repeat that is longer than normal. This longer CAG repeat results in the production of a mutant huntingtin protein that is toxic to nerve cells.

Risk Factors for Huntington's Disease:

- Family history of Huntington's disease

- Having a mutation in the HTT gene

Treatment for Huntington's Disease:

There is no cure for Huntington's disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These treatments include:

- Medications to control movement disorders

- Speech therapy

- Physical therapy

- Occupational therapy

- Counseling and support groups

Life Expectancy for Huntington's Disease:

The average life expectancy for people with Huntington's disease is 15 to 20 years from the time of diagnosis. However, some people may live for longer or shorter periods of time.

Huntington's Disease is a devastating disorder that has no cure. However, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with the disease.