Treatment cannot reverse its progression or slow it down. If they inherit the gene with the mutation, their children will also have a 50% chance of inheriting it.Ī person who does not inherit the gene mutation will not develop the disease and cannot pass it on to their children. A child who inherits the typical copy will not develop HD, while a child who inherits the mutated copy will.Įach child has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation. Any offspring will inherit either the typical copy or the mutated one. This means a person may have it if they inherit one copy of the mutated gene from either parent.Ī person with the gene mutation has one typical copy of the gene and one mutated copy. If it repeats 40 times or more, a person will almost certainly develop the condition. If the repetition is 36–39, a person may or may not develop HD. As the toxic protein accumulates in the brain, it begins to damage certain brain cells. This change results in a longer form of the HTT protein, which is then cut into small harmful cells that could bind together. This genetic mutation is caused by the excessive production – or trinucleotide repeats – of cytosine, adenine, and guanine (CAG). HD results from a gene mutation on chromosome 4 of huntingtin (HTT). The HDSA recommends that loved ones and caregivers of people with HD are aware of the signs of suicide ideation. Eventually, someone may require full-time care.Īccording to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), the risk of suicide in people with HD is up to 10 times higher than the national average. difficulty focusing, multitasking, or drivingĬognitive symptoms typically worsen over time and may lead to dementia.HD may cause brain alterations that could affect a person’s emotional and cognitive functions, including: Other behavioral symptoms of HD could include: Other mental health conditions that may affect people with HD include: Behavioral symptomsĪpproximately 40% of people with HD will develop depression at some point. Eventually, they may become slower as the muscles become more rigid. Over time, uncontrollable movements occur more often and usually with more intensity. seizures, which are more common in juvenile HD.loss of coordination and control of movements.Other involuntary symptoms of HD may include: These are uncontrollable movements like spasms, jerks, and twitches that may affect any body part. rigidity, which is more common in juvenile HDĬhorea is the most common involuntary symptom of adult HD.difficulty walking, such as stumbling or losing balance.weight loss, which may weaken a person’s immune system.difficulty speaking, swallowing (dysphagia), or eating.HD may cause symptoms that affect a person’s stature and gait, as well as voluntary and involuntary movements. For example, some may experience depression first and then changes in their motor skills, while others may show physical signs. The types, frequency, and severity of HD symptoms may also vary between individuals. This is called juvenile Huntington’s disease and may progress more quickly.Īpproximately 4–11% develop HD symptoms after 60. However, 5-10% of people with HD develop symptoms before age 20. HD causes a variety of physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms that typically appear in people aged 30–50.
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