Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Multiple government agencies have cooperated to allow MMJ International Holdings to import cannabis extracts to the United States, for use in potential therapies the company is developing for clinical trials in Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The cannabis plant makes numerous compounds called cannabinoids, two of the…

People with Huntington’s disease who develop psychosis tend to have worse cognitive and behavioral disturbances, reduced ability to function, and fewer involuntary movements than patients who do not experience these psychiatric symptoms, a new study reports. The study, titled “Psychosis and longitudinal outcomes in Huntington disease: the…

Levels of certain trace metals are altered in the blood of people with Huntington’s disease, a new study found, suggesting that measuring and/or targeting these metals may be useful for studying, or perhaps treating, Huntington’s. The results, “Trace elements profile in the blood of Huntington’ disease patients,”…

People with Huntington’s disease tend to use their own memories less in engaging with those around them, a new study found. The researchers say a diminished capacity for autobiographical recollection in these patients may prevent “the benefits of interpersonal bonding.” Titled “Discrete changes in the frequency…

A small molecule that alters glucose metabolism in stressed brain cells may help prevent their death, representing a new strategy for treating brain diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, among others. The potential therapeutic candidate was described in the journal Scientific Reports…

A new gene editing method allows researchers to target many different kinds of disease-causing mutations in multiple cell types, which could have implications for genetic disorders such as Huntington’s disease, a study suggests. The new method was described in the journal Cell Research in a study, titled “…

Being less affected by loss is predictive of apathy in people with Huntington’s disease (HD), a new study has found. The study, “Insensitivity to Loss Predicts Apathy in Huntington’s Disease,” was published in the journal Movement Disorders. Apathy — the feeling of indifference, where a person just doesn’t care —…

Differences in the activity of a protein called Cdk5 in the brain could be a cause of — and perhaps even a target for the treatment of — depression related to Huntington’s disease, research in mice suggests. The study, “Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 Dysfunction Contributes to Depressive-like Behaviors…

Obsessive-compulsive and perseverative behaviors occur frequently among people with Huntington’s disease, particularly as the disorder progresses, a review analysis shows. Researchers say differentiating between these two behaviors — which many family members find highly problematic to handle — may be beneficial for managing and treating symptoms, and supporting caregivers.

In a newly published set of guidelines, experts give suggestions for the management of some of the behavioral symptoms of Huntington’s disease. By making these guidelines available to both specialists and non-specialists, the hope is that better care and support can be given more consistently to Huntington’s patients and their…