Huntington's Disease Facts

Huntington's disease is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in one of the chromosomes of the DNA, causing degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain. Huntington's disease produces similar symptoms to Parkinson's disease, such as uncontrolled body movements and abnormal speech changes. Huntington's disease is not curable or preventable, but parents can prevent passing on their genes to their children with genetic counseling.

Cause

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Huntington's disease is caused when the chromosome No. 4 has a defect. This causes part of the DNA, called a CAG repeat, to repeat more times than normal, causing Huntington's disease.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Huntington's disease include jerking or uncontrolled movements of the arms, legs, face and other body parts. Behavioral changes include antisocial behavior, hallucinations, feeling moody or irritable, restlessness, psychosis, changes in speeches, confusion and a loss of memory and judgment.

Risk Factors

• People who have a parent with Huntington's disease have a 50 percent chance of developing it. According to the Mayo Clinic, a genetic defect of the sperm that fertilizes the egg during pregnancy also causes it.

Complications

• Huntington's disease can cause depression, an increased risk of infection, an increase in self injury or injury to others, the inability to take care of oneself and the inability to interact with others.

Treatment

• There is no treatment to stop the disease or prevent it from becoming worse. Medications, such as dopamine blockers and tetrabenazine, help reduce abnormal movements caused by Huntington's disease.

Prognosis

• According to Google Health, people die within 15 to 20 years after first developing it.