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Huntington's Disease Prognosis

Huntington's disease is an inherited condition, characterized by chorea and dementia. There is a 50 percent chance that if you carry the Huntington's disease gene it will be passed to your offspring. When there is no family history, Huntington's disease is rare.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50. Abnormal jerking movements of the limbs and facial muscles as well as intellectual behavioral changes are common.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis of Huntington's disease is usually made by a neurological evaluation and genetic testing.

    Treatment

    • While medications can control some of the symptoms of Huntington's disease, the disease is progressive and cannot be halted. Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's disease.

    Prognosis

    • The prognosis of Huntington's disease is grim. From the onset of symptoms, Huntington's disease carries a 15- to 20-year lifespan.

    Complications

    • Heart attack and pneumonia are the two most common causes of death in those with Huntington's disease. Other complications include respiratory failure, gastrointestinal problems and suicide.

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