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Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, degenerative brain disease that causes both physical and mental disabilities and usually begins in mid-life.
Early symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include involuntary movement of the limbs or facial muscles, difficulty concentrating, and depression. Other symptoms include personality change, memory disturbance, slurred speech, and impaired judgment.
Children born to a person with Huntington's disease have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene that causes HD. A genetic test is available to confirm a diagnosis of HD and to identify carriers of the HD gene. It is recommended that anyone considering genetic testing first talk first with their family and/or appropriate medical and counseling professionals.
There is no treatment to stop the progression of HD, but the movement disturbances and psychiatric symptoms can be treated with medication.
