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…

Huntington’s disease affects not only movement, but also impairs a person’s ability to communicate. Studies have shown that 78 to 93 percent of patients with Huntington’s experience speech difficulties. Communication issues are more common in the later stages of the disease, although they also can be seen…

Scientists have yet to develop a cure for Huntington’s disease or a treatment that can stop its progression. But there are treatments that can help patients manage their symptoms, which include movement, cognitive, and psychiatric problems. And researchers continue to work on more effective treatments for the disease. Treatment for movement…