Huntington's Disease
Huntington's Disease is a tragically inherited diseases that results in the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. It is a mutation to the huntington gene, which is actually a dominant trait. The effect of this disease includes disabilities in cognitive and psychiatric aspects, as well as difficulty with basic movement. If Huntington's Disease runs in a family, their offspring have a 50% chance of developing the disease in their lifetime. Basic symptoms develop in a person's 40s or 50s, and the earlier the initial onset is, the faster the disease progresses. Medications are available for help with basic symptoms, however nothing can or will prevent declines in physical effects.
Symptoms could include but are not limited to:
- mood swings
- depression
- forgetfulness
- involuntary movements
- short term memory loss
- difficulties talking and walking
People with Huntington's disease can have trouble remembering how to do things, something that can even be as simple as swallowing water. Their motor skills may also decline as the disease progresses. The Huntington's Disease Society of America reveals that death of those with this disease "follows from complications such as choking, infection or heart failure."
Other Resources
This Slideshow from Medicine Net.
- The slideshow provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of Dementia, one type being Huntington's Disease. The website, MedicineNet, Inc. is run by WebMd. Both sites aim to provide doctor's information for everyone, free and easily- accessible. The websites aim to educate in order to create a more equal society, which coincides with our mission.
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Medline Plus
- This source is the National Institute of Health's online website for those interested in learning about different health topics. The site is easy to understand, and offers objective, factual information, which tends to be more reliable since it is not emotionally charged. Facts and statistics on this site are helpful in understanding Huntington's Disease.
Articles for Consideration
This Article from Medical News explains new discoveries on ways to prevent Huntington's Disease. Overall, this source explains the idea that when injecting a certain nucleic acid into the affected RNA, the genetic mutation of Huntington's Disease is silenced. Scientific evidence such as this, when further researched, may lead to cures.
- Note from us: How does this help create more equality? In our world today, it is important to understand the possible treatments of different diseases. If terrible conditions that severely alter peoples lives can be treated, then finding those treatments are cures make the world one step closer to equality.
Statistics and Current Trends
>Within the US, about one in every ten thousand people have Huntington's disease
>People usually live 15-25 years after the onset of HD
> The younger the person is when diagnosed with this disease usually means the faster the disease takes it toll
> The onset of the disease usually starts when someone is 30-50 years old, but can start much later when or much younger, starting as early as two years old
>The disease affects both men and women equally
>Huntington's disease is a dominant trait (the mutation that causes it is a dominant trait)
Medicine is available to help delay Huntington's disease, but there is currently no cure for it. Some organizations suggest exercise and specific diets to encourage brain activity and improve memory. Visit the helpguide.org to see their suggestions on how to improve memory.
>People usually live 15-25 years after the onset of HD
> The younger the person is when diagnosed with this disease usually means the faster the disease takes it toll
> The onset of the disease usually starts when someone is 30-50 years old, but can start much later when or much younger, starting as early as two years old
>The disease affects both men and women equally
>Huntington's disease is a dominant trait (the mutation that causes it is a dominant trait)
Medicine is available to help delay Huntington's disease, but there is currently no cure for it. Some organizations suggest exercise and specific diets to encourage brain activity and improve memory. Visit the helpguide.org to see their suggestions on how to improve memory.
Testimonies and Quotes
Live your life like me: Every day to your fullest.”
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Meghan's father was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, passing the genetic variation onto his daughter. Meghan has since blossomed as a person, becoming an advocate for Huntington's Disease awareness.
View her story here.
View her story here.