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What Is Huntingtons Disease?
Huntingtons disease is a degenerative condition that affects thecentral nervous system.
As the condition advances, your symptoms worsen.
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It causes a host of cognitive, motor, and behavioral difficulties.
Its a hereditary disorder, which means it can be inherited from your parents.
Huntingtons disease is a rare condition.
Its even rarer in children and teenagers.
Around 5.7 in 100,000 people have been diagnosed with Huntingtons disease in the United States.
About 5% to 10% of that number are children.
In rare cases, children as young as five have exhibited signs of Huntingtons disease.
These symptoms occur in stages and affect both yourphysical and mental well-being.
Early-stage symptoms of the condition might not disrupt your daily functioning.
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of Huntingtons disease vary from person to person.
In many cases, they go undetected, and a definite diagnosis isnt made until symptoms have progressed.
Regular everyday activities can be severely hindered by chorea.
As it deteriorates, it affects your ability to speak, walk, or even eat.
Causes of Huntingtons Disease
The exact cause of Huntingtons disease hasnt been identified.
After the test is done, a genetic counselor will speak to you on the next steps to take.
If you arent exhibiting symptoms of Huntingtons disease, learning that you carry the gene can be difficult.
Other family members might also be asked to come in for genetic testing.
Treatment for Huntingtons Disease
Theres currently no cure for Huntingtons disease.
However, several treatments make coping with the condition more manageable.
These treatments are targeted at reducing the severity of your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Treatment typically involves a combination ofpsychotherapy, physical therapy, and medications.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Huntingtons Disease.
Stanford Health Care.Huntington’s Disease Symptoms.
Northwestern Medicine.Huntington’s disease causes and diagnoses.
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