Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic condition that affects brain cells and causes them to lose function over time. It primarily impacts movement, memory, and behavior and gradually worsens as the disease progresses. People with HD may experience involuntary movements, changes in thinking and reasoning, and personality shifts.
There are two types of Huntington’s disease. Adult-onset HD is the most common type, with symptoms usually appearing after age 30. Juvenile Huntington’s disease is a rare form that affects children and teenagers. At Memphis Neurology, we offer specialized care that improves patients' quality of life with HD.
HD affects the body and mind in various ways. Common physical symptoms include:
Chorea is one of the earliest and most recognizable symptoms of HD. It causes sudden, unintended movements, often starting in the hands, fingers, and face before spreading to the arms, legs, and torso. As chorea progresses, it can interfere with essential activities like speaking, eating, and walking.
At first, HD symptoms may be subtle, such as clumsiness or difficulty holding small objects, but they gradually worsen over time.
In addition to physical symptoms, people with HD may experience:
Over time, these symptoms make daily tasks more complex, leading to greater dependence on caregivers and support systems.
Despite increasing awareness of HD, several misconceptions exist, and many people have encountered misinformation. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths surrounding the disease.
Fact: Both men and women can inherit and develop HD. It isn’t gender-specific, as the genetic mutation responsible for the disease is passed down regardless of sex.
Fact: A child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene that causes HD from an affected parent.
Fact: While the age of onset may be similar if a mother has HD, children of fathers with HD can develop symptoms earlier than their fathers did. The disease does not follow a strict timeline across generations.
Fact: While cognitive function declines over time, many individuals with HD remain aware of their surroundings and retain their intelligence. It can feel as if they’re trapped inside a body that no longer responds to their wishes.
Fact: HD doesn’t skip generations, but suppose a person with the HD gene mutation passes away from other causes before developing symptoms. In that case, it may appear like the disease skipped a generation.
Fact: Huntington’s disease is not as rare as once believed, with current estimates suggesting that HD affects around eight or nine people per 100,000.
Its prevalence may be higher than previously recorded, partly due to misdiagnoses and partly because some people choose not to undergo genetic testing, making it harder to determine the full extent of HD cases worldwide.
HD itself is not fatal; however, complications such as pneumonia, infections, and fall injuries can lead to life-threatening situations. While there is no cure yet, ongoing research continues to explore potential treatments that could slow the disease’s progression.
By debunking myths and spreading accurate information, we hope to create a more supportive and informed community for those affected by Huntington’s disease (HD). Awareness is key to fostering understanding, improving care, and advancing research toward a future in which HD no longer has such devastating effects.
Our team at Memphis Neurology can help patients with HD live longer, healthier lives. If you or someone you care for has Huntington’s disease, get in touch using the online inquiry form or give us a call.
