Q: I have tested gene positive. When can I expect to develop symptoms of HD?
A: It is impossible to predict exactly when you will develop symptoms. However, most people begin to show signs of HD between the ages of 35yrs – 55yrs. Maintaining an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise and mental stimulation has been shown to delay the onset of symptoms.

Q: If I am gene positive what does that mean for my children?
A: This means that each one of your children has a 50% chance of inheriting the defective HD gene.

Q: I have heard Huntington’s disease is more prevalent in males. Is this true?
A: This is incorrect as the HD gene is on chromosome 4 which is a non-sex chromosome. You may come across the term ‘autosomal’ which means any of the chromosomes 1-22 (we all have 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes plus chromosome 23 which determines our gender).

Q: What is the prevalence of HD in the western world?
A: Statistics now indicate that 8 in every 100,000 have HD.

Q: What is Juvenile HD?
A: Juvenile HD affects people under the age of 20 years and like the adult form is hereditary in nature. It occurs when the CAG repeat is expanded to over 60 repeats.  Juvenile HD accounts for 3-10% of all HD cases in the western world. See our section on Juvenile HD

Q: What is the predicted lifespan for someone with HD?
A: As HD is a neurodegenerative condition people typically live for 15-25yrs following the onset of symptoms. It is difficult to determine when onset of symptoms occurs as symptoms may be gradual and subtle changes.