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Huntington’s disease (HD) is named after George Huntington, an American physician, who first described the disease in medical literature in 1872. HD was previously known as Huntington’s ‘chorea’- a Latin word which refers to ‘dance like’ movements witnessed in those with the condition. Whilst HD is often still referred to as Huntington’s chorea, the term Huntington’s disease has been adopted as not all individuals with the disease exhibit these involuntary movements or ‘chorea’. |
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What are the Symptoms of HD? |
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The onset of symptoms typically occurs in middle adulthood (35yrs to 50yrs of age). The Juvenile form of HD which affects children and younger people usually presents prior to 20 years of age. People with HD may also express a wide variety of symptoms which is usually grouped into three categories: physical, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.
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HD is usually diagnosed through neurological and psychological tests, a review of family history and a confirmatory blood test. Brain scans, were once used in the diagnosis of HD, however this is no longer a common practice.
Genetic testing is conducted to confirm a diagnosis of HD. This test, which has been made available since 1993 involves examination of DNA extracted from a blood sample.
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Juvenile Huntington's Disease (JHD) |
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Juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) is the form of HD that affects younger people under the age of 20. The symptoms in JHD are somewhat different from the adult form. Children who have earlier onset of the disease are more likely to be very rigid and less likely to have involuntary movements as seen in adults with HD.
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