Steve Bryson, PhD,  science writer—

A 56-year-old man with undiagnosed late-onset Huntington’s disease presented with Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms, including bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, a case study reported. He was correctly diagnosed after clinicians learned of a family history of Huntington’s and ordered genetic testing. Given the diagnosis, the researchers recommended that Huntington’s disease…

Activating the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in astrocyte cells reduced multiple hallmark features of Huntington’s disease  — including the toxic clumping of the huntingtin protein in nerve cells — from the brains of a mouse model, a study reported. “Our results open new therapeutic avenues to further enhance the natural partnership…

Clumps of protein resulting from HTT mutations, the underlying cause of Huntington’s disease, form distinct structures in different parts of the cell, according to detailed imaging analysis. The findings suggest these clumps form by different mechanisms and may require different therapeutic strategies to block their formation and toxicity that…

The perception of time is impaired in people with symptomatic Huntington’s disease in its early stages — but not in patients without symptoms, a study revealed. These findings suggest that time perception impairment may be used as a clinical tool for assessing those with the neurodegenerative disorder, the scientists…

Frequent bladder, bowel, and sexual problems were reported by people with Huntington’s disease, a study reveals. Recommended Reading October 13, 2021 Columns by B.J. Viau These 5 Changes Are…

No significant safety concerns were found in the first four patients participating in a Phase 1/2 trial assessing the safety and efficacy of uniQure’s AMT-130, an experimental gene therapy for Huntington’s disease. This…

Based on MRI scans, Huntington’s disease patients with major cognitive impairments have reduced gray matter volume and a thinner brain cortex than those without cognitive problems, a study has demonstrated.  Major cognitive decline was not associated with CAG repeat length, age, or education, suggesting additional…

A single injection of the protein CDNF — cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor — into the brains of rats with induced Huntington’s disease protected affected nerve cells from degeneration and improved motor performance, a study reported. These findings support further development of CDNF as a treatment…

Administration of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) using a gene transfer method improved spatial cognition, stimulated the branching of nerve stem cells, and preserved the brain region known as the hippocampus in a mouse model of…

Teva Pharmaceuticals’ Austedo (deutetrabenazine tablets) has been approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for treating chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and tardive dyskinesia…