Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes physical, mental, and emotional problems. Although Huntington's disease is typically hereditary, 1 to 3 percent of cases develop without any family history of the disease. Early symptoms of Huntington's disease may include mood swings, depression, and memory problems. As the disease progresses, intellectual tasks often become increasingly difficult, and patients may have difficulty swallowing. There is currently no cure for Huntington's disease; treatment usually involves managing the symptoms associated with the condition.

 

What Is Huntington's Disease?

Huntington's disease is a progressive brain condition that causes uncontrolled movements, emotional problems, and cognitive difficulties.
 
Huntington's disease is also called:
 
  • Huntington disease
  • HD
  • Huntington chorea.
     

How Common Is Huntington's Disease?

Huntington's disease affects an estimated 3 to 7 per 100,000 people of European ancestry. The condition appears to be less common in other populations, such as African Americans.
 
In the United States alone, about 30,000 people have Huntington's disease; about 1 in every 10,000 people is thought to have the condition. At least 150,000 other people have a 50 percent risk of developing Huntington's disease, and thousands more of their relatives live with the possibility that they, too, might develop HD.
 
Huntington's disease typically begins in middle age. This form is called adult-onset Huntington's disease. There is also an early-onset form of Huntington's disease (juvenile Huntington disease) that begins in childhood or adolescence.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD