Huntington's Disease Research

In the case of Huntington's disease, research is being conducted across the U.S. to answer important questions about the disease and to find more effective methods of diagnosing and treating it. Some of the research currently under way includes studies of the HD gene, fetal tissue research, and work being done with PET scans and other imaging technology to better understand the effects of Huntington's disease on the brain. Research for Huntington's disease has already led to many advances; however, controlling the disorder remains a challenge.

 

Huntington's Disease Research: An Overview

Doctors and scientists all over the country are conducting Huntington's disease research. These Huntington's disease research studies are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether new approaches are safe and effective. Such research has already led to many advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective methods for dealing with Huntington's disease. Controlling Huntington's disease, however, still remains a challenge.
 

Current Focus of Huntington's Disease Research

Huntington's disease research is now under way on several fronts. Some of these areas of focus include:
 
  • Basic neurobiology
  • Clinical research
  • Imaging
  • Animal models
  • Fetal tissue research.
     
Basic Neurobiology
Now that the Huntington disease gene (HD gene) has been located, Huntington's disease research scientists in the field of neurobiology (which encompasses the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the nervous system) are continuing to study the HD gene with an eye toward understanding how it causes disease in the human body.
 
Clinical Research
Neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other investigators are improving our understanding of the symptoms and progression of Huntington's disease in patients, while attempting to develop new treatments.
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD