Huntington’s disease is a genetic condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. These include clumsiness, mood changes, irritability and memory problems. These symptoms typically progress over time and can worsen.
Symptoms begin in different ages in people with HD, but they all involve a loss of normal brain function. A defective gene tells the body to make an unusually long protein that damages and kills brain cells.
The exact gene responsible for Huntington’s is called HTT, and it’s inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Having the defective gene means you have a 50 percent chance of developing Huntington’s.
Diagnosis is based on the doctor recognising certain factors, including your family history and other symptoms of the disease. If they suspect Huntington’s, they’ll refer you to a neurologist for further tests and evaluation.
Treatment for Huntington’s is aimed at controlling the signs of the disease and reducing symptoms. These treatments include medications for involuntary movements (chorea), medication for mood disorders, physical and occupational therapy, and help to manage everyday tasks.
Your treatment plan will depend on the type of Huntington’s disease you have, and your overall health and well-being. A doctor might also recommend a psychiatric evaluation to look for changes in your thinking, emotional state and behaviors.
If you have a psychiatric disorder, such as depression or anxiety, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants and antianxiety drugs. These medications can reduce the symptoms of these disorders, and help you cope with them better.
There are also some drugs that have a side effect that controls movement, such as haloperidol and tetrabenazine. They can be used to treat involuntary movements and tics.
Some medicines are also used to ease hallucinations and delusional thoughts. This can be particularly helpful in people with Huntington’s who are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
Taking these drugs can have serious side effects, such as fatigue and sedation. You’ll need to discuss any side effects with your doctor, as these can be dangerous.
If you’re taking one of these drugs, you might notice changes in your appetite or weight. These changes are common with some of these drugs, and they could be a sign that you’re having a reaction to the medication.
Your doctor might also ask you to take part in a drug trial for Huntington’s disease. These trials are designed to find new drugs that can help slow the progression of this disease.
The goal of the trials is to find treatments that are safe, effective and affordable. These medications are usually given as a single dose every few weeks, and you’ll need to follow the instructions on the bottle.
In most cases, a person will need to visit their doctor on a regular basis to ensure that their condition remains under control and that any new symptoms are monitored and treated early. Be sure to bring a friend or relative along with you to your appointment, as they can keep you on track and remind you of important information.
