Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an antipsychotic medication, manufactured by Eli Lilly, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. It may be prescribed to treat some motor and behavioral symptoms of Huntington’s disease, sometimes in…

SOM3355 is an experimental treatment being developed by SOM Biotech to treat movement disorders in Huntington’s disease. SOM Biotech is currently seeking orphan drug status for SOM3355 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene.

Delusions and hallucinations are among the psychiatric symptoms of Huntington’s disease, occurring in an estimated 3-11% of patients. These symptoms are also collectively referred to as psychosis. What are delusions and hallucinations? Delusions Delusions can be defined as false beliefs. No arguments or evidence can convince patients with…

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder. One hallmark of the condition is involuntary movements, which include akathisia (restlessness), dystonia (muscle spasms in the arms, head or trunk), and chorea. Chorea is the most common involuntary movement problem in Huntington’s disease patients. It usually occurs during the…

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an imbalance in the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or signaling molecule, that plays a vital role in abilities that include movement. Unusually high levels of dopamine are thought to cause chorea (involuntary jerking or…

Huntington’s disease is an incurable genetic condition, marked by uncontrollable and jerky movements known as chorea, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes. This disease and its symptoms typically begin in adulthood and worsen over time, but can be more manageable with certain adjustments and therapy approaches.

Huntington’s disease is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorder, caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The mutation results in an abnormal, toxic HTT protein being produced that aggregates inside nerve cells in the brain, leading to their death. This causes problems with movement, cognition, and behavior, as…

Huntington’s disease damages the brain, leading directly to psychiatric problems. In addition, patients may react to their diagnosis and the disease itself with depression and anxiety. Although the psychiatric issues linked to Huntington’s have been less researched than the disease’s characteristic movement problems, patients and their families often consider…

People with Huntington’s disease not only experience physical changes, marked by a loss of movement control, but also cognitive and behavioral changes.  The behavioral changes vary from patient to patient, but often include apathy, marked by a loss of motivation to…