Characteristics of Huntington's Disease
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Physical Symptoms
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These symptoms tend to be the more noticeable. The most notable one is usually chorea, meaning jerky, uncontrollable movements. Chorea can first appear as simple slowed motor skills, such as uncompleted motions, lack of coordination or restlessness. From there, it can progress to uncontrollable writhing motions, abnormal posturing or rigidity. These symptoms can cause sleep disturbances. Seizures may occur as the disease progresses.
Cognitive Symptoms
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Cognitive abilities become impaired as the disease progresses. Cognitive impairment can affect abstract thought, initiating appropriate actions and planning. Over time, these cognitive problems can lead to dementia, a serious loss of cognitive ability. That can bring on anxiety, depression and even an overall reduced display of emotions. Cognitive symptoms are harder to diagnose, as opposed to the physical symptoms of Huntington's disease.
Personality-Based Symptoms
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Once cognitive symptoms appear, personality-based symptoms are not far behind. A person may become hostile, display a depression-mania cycle, appear agitated, have increased social withdrawal and display obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
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