Huntington's Disease Effects

Huntington's is an inherited, fatal degenerative disease that causes the destruction of nerve cells in the brain. The disease typically manifests during middle age. While there are treatments to alleviate some Huntington's disease symptoms, its progress can't be significantly slowed, nor can it be cured.

Psychological Effects

• Many Huntington's disease signs relate to mood and personality. Mood swings, changes in personality, depression and suicidal thoughts are all common.

Cognitive Effects

• Diminishing cognitive abilities are typical with Huntington's disease. Problems often arise with learning, memory and decision making. Eventually, dementia usually results.

Coordination Effects

• People with Huntington's disease gradually lose their coordination. Initially, they become clumsy, and over time they lose balancing and walking capabilities.

Motor Effects

• Involuntary movements are an effect of Huntington's disease. They usually appear in the face first but then spread throughout the body. Other motor problems arise over time, particularly affecting speech and the ability to swallow.

Death

• Symptoms and degeneration continue until death in those afflicted with Huntington's disease. Gradually, the ability to perform most basic functions, including walking, talking, eating and thinking, clearly diminish. Death usually results anywhere from 10 to 30 years after initial symptoms manifest.