Scientists at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have mapped onto a genetic database nearly a million tandem repeat (TR) expansions — head-to-tail copies of short DNA sequences — to better understand how they’re linked to several human diseases, including Huntington’s. This work, the team says, may provide “critical…
The United Kingdom’s Mental Capacity Act, introduced in 2005, states that a person is unable to make a decision if they cannot do one or more of the following: “Understand the information relevant to the decision “Retain that information for long enough to make the decision “Use or weigh…
Cariprazine, an oral medication approved for schizophrenia, may ease some motor symptoms people with Huntington’s disease experience across different stages of the condition, a small study suggests. How cariprazine works in Huntington’s still isn’t clear, but researchers think it may balance out dopamine levels when they’re too high, as…
Recently, as I sat on the couch enjoying the sound and smell of my wife Jill’s tea brewing, I thought about life’s simple pleasures. Normally, Saturdays are packed with all the chores and errands we didn’t do during the week, but not this day. The only thing on our agenda…
“My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.” — Stephen Hawking Huntington’s disease affected both my dad’s and my brother Gavin’s…
Small molecules developed by Design Therapeutics were able to reduce the activity of the disease-causing mutant gene in preclinical models of Huntington’s disease, according to an announcement from the company. “We are highlighting an exciting new program for Huntington’s Disease, an indication of tremendous unmet medical need,”…
I’ve come to a realization that has impacted my viewpoint about the importance of voting and advocating for political candidates who prioritize healthcare. It was prompted by my wife Jill’s diagnosis of Huntington’s disease (HD) and the challenges we’ve faced navigating the healthcare system as we deal with…
“The waste of money cures itself, for soon there is no more waste.” – M.W. Harrison The cognitive damage caused by Huntington’s disease has strongly affected my brother, Gavin. It’s part of the reason he is unable to manage his financial affairs on his own. We saw…
Prilenia Therapeutics plans to submit a marketing authorization application (MAA) by mid-year asking for approval in the European Union of pridopidine, an oral small molecule for treating Huntington’s disease. The planned filing with the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, part of the European Medicines Agency (EMA),…
Recently, I’ve found myself grappling with a complex mix of emotions. On the one hand, I’m filled with admiration for the incredible strength and positivity that my wife, Jill, exudes every day in the face of Huntington’s disease (HD). On the other hand, there’s a lingering sadness…
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