Huntington's Disease
Maddie Mueller Period 9
Huntington's Disease
Life Expectancy
Symptoms of Huntington's Diesase
Chorea
Breakdown of Nerve Cells in the Brain
Learning new information
Side Effects
-trouble with attention and awareness
-confusion
-walking unsteadily
-social withdraw
-depression
-small involuntary movements
-poor coordination
-jerking or twitching movements (chorea)
-trouble walking, speaking, and swallowing
-change in personality
-seizures
-loss of memory
Testing/How to Prevent this Disorder
There are multiple pre-genetic tests that can be performed to test if an individual has Huntington's Disease. Pre-genetic diagnostic tests can be preformed with Vitro Fertilization to make sure that any fertilized egg implanted doesn't carry the gene. Researchers haven't found a cure yet, but they have identified the gene that carries Huntington's Disease. This disorder is not yet prevented, but treatments help with controlling symptoms. If you have a family history with HD, then you can talk with a genetic counselor. Testing can be done, to identify if a parent will or will not carry the gene for Huntington's Disease.
Organizations
Website: hdsa.org