Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It is characterized by involuntary movements, loss of intellectual abilities, and emotional disturbances.
Symptoms usually appear in a person’s thirties or forties, and worsen over time.
There is currently no cure for HD, but various treatments can help manage symptoms. The disease is caused by a genetic mutation on chromosome 4, and it is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, which means that if a person inherits the mutated gene from one parent, they will develop the disease.
HD is relatively rare, affecting about 1 in 10,000 people worldwide.
The Huntington's Disease Association Auckland is a not for profit charity supporting individuals and families affected by Huntington's Disease.
Founded in the early 1980s, our aim is to maximize the quality of life of people living with HD by:
• Ensuring those who need it get the right support services and medical attention;
• Enabling others to understand the disease; and
• Furthering research to manage and cure Huntington's Disease.
Discover how you can get involved by volunteering.
Every donation will go to assist our members.
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Our organisation aims to touch many lives, bringing hope, and transforming communities. Don’t just take our word for it – here what others have to say here.
all testimonials
Caregiver
I got into a routine of caregiving for my husband over the past two years, but with the pandemic and having the kids home and being expected to home-school them well that was just too much, it just about broke me and I am paying for it now my mental health is not good, I do not know what I would have done without the Auckland Huntington’s Association navigating the supports my family needed, thank you.
Caregiver
I have been a caregiver for over 30 years now I looked after my wife she is passed now I am now looking after my two adult son’s I am 80 years of age you know, this pandemic was hard the care givers did not always turn up as they were not cleared for covid. I had no escape, no rest I was just constantly in the caregiver role... Thank you to Cheenee for taking me out for a bit of time out.
I have early stages of HD and had just stopped work as my symptom’s had progressed to the point that I needed more time to look after myself and then the pandemic hit and my husband lost his job, This financial hit was huge. Thank you Jo for the food parcels and Cheenee for the support with WINZ.
I was homeless when the pandemic hit thanks for finding me shettle think I would be dead by now if I was left of the streets. Thank you for all the phone calls, the Zoom meetings and keeping us connected with our loved ones in care facilities. Thank you for all the shopping that has been dropped off. Thank you Jenna for all the online shopping that you organised.
26 Jan,23
26 Jan,23
Our staff is here to help. Some common characteristics of Huntington's Disease lead to questions that may be useful to you.
Further questionsHuntington's is not something you catch. Rather, it is passed down through generations. Every child conceived to a parent who has the Huntington's gene has a 50% chance of interiting it. (https://hda.org.uk).
Yes, a genetic test can show if you have the faulty gene. You can live with that gene for years without symptoms, but at some stage you will develop symptoms.
No, sadly there is no cure, but symptons can be managed to improve your quality of life. However, there are several international clinical trials in process of finding an effective treatment.
Huntington's affects men and women alike. It usually developts between the ages of 30 and 50, but can start at any age. If symptoms develop before the age of 20, that is classed as Juvenile Huntington's disease.
There are 3 main HD associations in New Zealand based in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Otherwise, several other areas in New Zealand have Huntington’s Advisors available. If you’re in Auckland, then feel free to reach out to us. More Info
