Understanding Huntington’s Disease By: Uma Patel

 What is Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is an often fatal genetic disease leading to the deterioration of brain

cells. Major symptoms begin to appear during the patient's 30’s or 40’s stripping away quality

life time. Huntington’s follows an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning there is a 50% risk of

being affected for every child of an affected parent.




Symptoms

While symptoms vary from person to person, Huntington's disease usually progresses more

quickly in people with Juvenile Huntington's disease. It is important to note that seizures are

common in children but not in adults.

Physical

Involuntary jerking related to Huntington’s is called Chorea and impacts all muscles.

- Tremors, uncontrolled shaking

- Muscle contractions

- Difficulty blinking or with eye movements

- Loss of balance or struggling to walk

- Irregular or difficulty with speaking

Mental

- Loss of focus

- Obsessive-compulsive thoughts

- Difficulty processing or learning new information

- Depression and anxiety

- Fatigue

- Bipolar disorder


How is Huntington’s Disease Diagnosed

A doctor can provide a diagnosis after genetic testing and assessing family history. The

disease comes from a mutation of the HTT gene which produces the huntingtin protein

necessary for keeping brain cells functioning.


Treatment

Currently there is no permanent cure for Huntington’s disease nor any way to stop the

progression of it; although there are treatments that may help with symptoms. For example,

Olanzapine (sold as “Zyprexa®”) balances dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain and is

prescribed to treat chorea. By “calming” the brain's chemical levels, this drug helps reduce the

intense and uncontrollable movements caused by chorea. Additionally, Olanzapine helps regulate

mood, which may help improve symptoms such as: depression, bipolar disorder, etc.

A drug free option also includes: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and

mental health consultations – which may improve quality of life.

Awareness and Conclusion

Huntington’s disease is a deeply scarring and challenging condition that impacts not only

a person’s mental, physical and psychological health but shortens their lifespan greatly. After

diagnosis, typically, a person can expect about 15 to 20 years of life left. Due to the wild

variation from person-to-person, it is impossible to determine how drastically or slowly the

decline of brain function will take place. Over time, this not only strips the patient of their

autonomy but their self expression and experience of self. As caretakers and family support their

loved one they unfortunately have to watch the disease change that person – this brings forward

a harsh reality many face. Proving why more research must be done to prevent others from

facing the same devastations. Public awareness, increased education and support to affected

families will all help to one day find a cure.


Bibliography:


Alzheimer's Association. Huntington's Disease. Alzheimer's Association,

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/hunti

ngton-s-disease. Accessed 27 July 2026.

Brain Research Foundation. The Definitive Guide to Huntington's Disease: The

Accelerating Discoveries from Gene Mutation to Potential Breakthroughs. Brain

Research Foundation,


https://www.thebrf.org/the-definitive-guide-to-huntingtons-disease-the-accelerating-

discoveries-from-gene-mutation-to-potential-breakthroughs/. Accessed 27 July 2026.


Mayo Clinic Staff. Huntington's Disease: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic, 25 Apr.

2024,


https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/huntingtons-disease/symptoms-caus

es/syc-20356117. Accessed 27 July 2026.

Rodrigues, Filipe Brogueira, and Edward J. Wild. "Psychogenic Non-Epileptic

Seizures in Early Huntington's Disease." Practical Neurology, vol. 16, no. 6, 2016,

pp. 452–454. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2016-001423. Accessed 27 July 2026.

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