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…
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Shouting is a fantastic way to get someone’s attention. That’s why I propose we shout to get the attention of the U.S. Congress. Because May is Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month, my wife, Jill, who is gene-positive for Huntington’s disease (HD), came up with a video challenge to raise awareness…
Ever since my wife, Jill, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 2018, grocery shopping has became increasingly difficult for her — that is, until she discovered the power of noise-canceling headphones. Here’s what makes shopping difficult for her: People constantly invade her space, make a lot of noise, and…
When I share with others that my wife, Jill, has Huntington’s disease (HD), I often receive a blank stare in return. Because it’s a rare disease, most people have never heard of it. When I tell them how terrible it is, they usually respond with expressions of sorrow. I…
The weather where I live in Maryland has been cold, gray, and rainy lately. A steady diet of warm, sunny weather remains a distant memory. The full glory of spring is on hold, as many trees and flowers have restrained themselves from blossoming into a full palette of colors. Days…
When I stepped away from my role as board chair of the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization in 2020, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I found my next Huntington’s passion project. The passion in me is deeply rooted and originally created through my mom, who passed from Huntington’s…
I recently shared with my wife, Jill, a saying I read in a store: “A smile and some kind words can really change someone’s day.” Jill smiled and said she knew the power of that saying because she had witnessed it years ago. The story she told me unfolded during…
My wife, Jill, works from home doing freelance jobs. Because she works remotely, she can watch television during the day from the comfort of our living room. The recent confirmation hearings in the U.S. Senate for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson kept Jill transfixed as she pondered…
Last week, I was listening to GC Chat, a genetic counseling podcast, and it got me thinking about the Huntington’s disease (HD) genetic testing process. In Season 3, Episode 3, “A Heavy Burden,” hosts and genetic counselors Ashley Crook and Ellenore Martin discuss a case in which a…
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…
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