Transcript Huntington's Disease - Bridgewater College

Huntington's Disease
By: Walter Gerring and Seth Little
Background Information
What is it?
– The genetic degeneration of brain cells,
called neurons, in certain areas of the
brain
– Causes uncontrollable movements, loss
of intellectual faculties, and emotional
disturbance
– Inherited disease, each child of an HD
parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting
the HD gene
Symptoms of HD
Early symptoms are mood swings,
depression, irritability or trouble driving,
learning new things, remembering a fact,
or making a decision
As the disease progresses, concentration
on intellectual tasks becomes more
difficult and the patient may have
difficulty feeding himself or swallowing
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Causes
Caused by a single abnormal gene
Autosomal dominant disorder
because only one copy of the
defective gene, inherited from either
parent, is necessary to produce the
disease
50 % chance of obtaining if one
parent has the gene
When to seek Medical advice?
See your doctor if there are changes
in your movements, emotional
control or mental ability (may not be
HD)
Family history of Huntington's
disease, you may want to talk with
your doctor
Diagnosis
Doctor performs a physical exam
Obtains family history and prior
medical history
A computerized tomography or an
MRI scan may show any changes to
your brain's structure
Your doctor may suggest a blood test
Complications
Over time every day functions
worsen like eating, swallowing,
speaking and walking
Many people develop depression and
are at risk for suicide
Death is usually the result of the
disease due to the complications
from an infection or fall
Treatment
Medications to help symptoms
Therapy- speech, physical and
occupational
Experimental treatments and
research
Self Care
Exercise regularly
Maintain proper nutrition
Drink plenty of fluids
References
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/h
untingtons-disease/DS00401
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/s
ections/huntingtons_disease/