Information
General Information
Information on the behaviour changes in people with Huntingtons.
Living with Huntington's
General information for Huntington's Disease sufferers.
Helping Yourself
A short list of things that your can do to help yourself
What is Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary condition that affects the brain, causing a progressive deterioration in physical and mental abilities. It impacts individuals of all ages, slowly diminishing their cognitive functions, mobility, and emotional well-being. HD not only affects the person diagnosed but also has a significant impact on their loved ones who provide care and support.
What are the causes of Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease is caused by a genetic mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which is responsible for producing a protein called huntingtin. The mutation involves an abnormal repetition of a DNA sequence known as CAG (cytosine-adenine-guanine) within the gene. Normally, this CAG sequence repeats between 10 and 35 times, but in individuals with Huntington’s disease, it repeats more than 35 times. The greater the number of CAG repeats, the earlier the onset and more severe the symptoms of the disease tend to be. The mutated huntingtin protein affects brain cells, particularly in areas of the brain called the basal ganglia and cortex, leading to their gradual degeneration and dysfunction.
This progressive damage disrupts the communication between neurons and results in the characteristic symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Since the condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that a person only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene from either parent to develop the disease, offspring of affected individuals have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation themselves. Genetic testing can accurately diagnose Huntington’s disease by identifying the presence and number of CAG repeats in the HTT gene.
How Huntington’s Disease Affects Sufferers
Huntington’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that profoundly affects individuals who suffer from it. This hereditary condition gradually impairs both the physical and cognitive abilities of those affected, leading to a decline in their overall quality of life. One of the hallmark features of Huntington’s disease is the progressive deterioration of motor skills, causing involuntary movements such as jerking or twitching, muscle rigidity, and difficulties with coordination and balance. As the disease advances, individuals may experience significant challenges in performing daily activities like walking, speaking, and swallowing.
Alongside the physical symptoms, Huntington’s disease also impacts cognitive functions, including memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving. Sufferers may struggle with memory loss, have difficulty concentrating, exhibit mood changes, and experience problems with decision-making and emotional regulation. The relentless progression of Huntington’s disease places an immense burden on both the individuals affected and their families, requiring comprehensive care and support throughout the course of the illness.
How are family and those around Huntington’s Suffers affected?
Family members and those around individuals with Huntington’s disease are profoundly affected by the condition. The impact extends to various aspects of their lives, including emotional, social, financial, and practical challenges. Witnessing a loved one’s gradual deterioration and the associated physical and cognitive decline can be emotionally distressing and overwhelming. Family members often experience a mix of grief, sadness, frustration, and helplessness as they see their loved one’s abilities and independence diminish over time. The burden of caregiving can also be significant, as it requires round-the-clock support, assistance with daily activities, and management of medical needs. This can strain family relationships and place immense stress on caregivers, both physically and emotionally. Additionally, the hereditary nature of Huntington’s disease can create a difficult decision-making process for family members regarding genetic testing and the potential risk of passing the disease on to future generations. Support groups, counseling, and resources specifically tailored for families and caregivers can help provide guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance in navigating the challenges associated with Huntington’s disease.