H u n t i n g t o n ' s D i s e a s e

V i v i a n T r u o n gM a r c h 6 , 2 0 1 3

3 r d P e r i o d

Huntington's Disease use to be known as Huntington's Chorea because chorea in greek meant involuntary jerking movements.

Common and Scientific Name: Huntington's Disease

Different Names of Huntington's Disease

Cause of Huntington's Disease

Huntington's Disease is hereditary and so the only way to get it to receive the trait from your parents.

T a r g e t A u d i e n c e

Caucasians have a higher chance of getting the disease than any other race. It affects older people more than younger ones. The more common case of HD is adult-onset.

Huntington's Disease affects the brain cells that are found deep in the area where movement, emotion, and cognitive abilities are controlled.

The defective gene on chromosome 4 causes the CAG(part of the DNA) to repeat itself more than the usual amount. Average person's DNA repeat is 10-28 times but someone with Huntington's Disease is 36-120.

CNS/PNS

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

Physical Symptoms

• development of involuntary movement in the fingers, feet, face, or trunk

• increased clumsiness• loss of coordination and balance• slurred speech• difficulty swallowing or eating• continual muscular contractions• stumbling or falling

Mental/Emotional Symptoms:

• decreased concentration• forgetfulness and memory loss• poor judgement• difficulty making decisions or

answering questions• lack of energy• depression• bipolar disorder (only in some)• psychotic behaviors like delusion or

hallucinations

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

Prognosis is poor since scientists don't know much about the disease and there isn't a cure for the disease.

People that are more active tend to have milder symptoms and the disease progresses slower than people who aren't so active.

Life expectancy is about 10-20 years after the first symptoms have shown up

Prognosis

There is no cure but there are treatments for the symptoms

• medications to ease depression and anxiety

• medications to control the involuntary movements

• physical and speech therapy • exercise• foods that nourishes the brain,

supports memory and builds overall immunity

Treatment

Woody Guthrie-a singer/songwriter-his wife Marjorie founded the Huntington's Disease Society of America

Catfish Hunter-major league baseball pitcher

Famous People with HD

Huntington's Disease Society of America• helps and tries to improve the lives of people and

families with Huntington's Disease

Info: National Office 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902 New York, NY 10018 212 242-1968 1-800-345-HDSA (4372) 1-888-HDSA-506 (NEW HDSA HELPLINE NUMBER)

Organization

Rose, A. (Ed.). (n.d.). Huntington's Disease. Retrieved November, 2012, from Help Guide website:

http://www.helpguide.org/elder/huntingtons_disease.htm

Genetic Science Learning Center (2012, August 6) Huntington's Disease. Learn.Genetics. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/disorders/whataregd/hunt/

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