ASHLEY MULLEN

Huntington’s Disease

What Causes It?

Inheriting a defective gene Results in gradual destruction of neurons

How Is It Transmitted?

Defective gene can be passed from one generation to the next

If a parent has the gene, child has a 50/50 chance of inheriting it

Signs and Symptoms

Appear between age 30-50FidgetingMinor twitching in fingers and toesExcessive restlessnessSome clumsinessShort-term memory lossLess ability to organize routinePeriods of depressionAs HD progresses, all physical symptoms can

make basic tasks more difficult

How HD Affects Body

Mind and bodyRapid, jerking movements the person has no

control ofProne to fallsEye movementTrouble looking Affect the brainForgetfulnessDifficulty to concentrateSensory symptoms: numbness or pain

How It Is Detected?

Genetic testingNeurological testingBlood testing

Treatment

Drs. prescribe medications to control emotional and movement problems

Tetrabenazine is the first drug in the U.S. approved to treat Huntington’s.

Helps control involuntary movements

Works Cited

Appai-Kubi, Linda. "Huntington's disease." netdoctor.co.uk.  NetDoctor.co.uk, 2010. Web. 18 October 2010. <http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/huntingtons.htm>.

  "Blood Tests." wrongdiagnosis.com.  Health Grades Inc., 2010. Web.

18 October 2010. <http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/test/blood_tests.htm>.

  "NINDS Huntington's Disease Information." www.ninds.nih.gov.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2010. Web. 18 October 2010. <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/huntington.htm>.

"What is Huntington's Disease?" ahdansw.asn.au. Australian Huntington's Disease Association, 2009. Web. 18 October 2010. <http://www.ahdansw.asn.au/information/huntingtons.html>.