The condition develops due to mutations, or changes, in the HTT gene.
In addition, one of your parents may also have been diagnosed with it.
Most people with Huntingtons begin to show signs and symptoms between the ages 35 and 44.
People with Huntingtons usually live for about 15 to 20 years after their symptoms first appear.
It can cause symptoms that affect balance and movement, brain function, and behavior and mood.
Signs and symptoms vary by stage.
These occur in up to 79 percent of people with the condition, the NIH estimates.
In a normal HTT gene, the CAG segment repeats up to 35 times.
However, in people with Huntingtons, it may repeat anywhere from 36 to more than 120 times.
Most people with Huntingtons have at least one parent with the condition.
This is called anticipation, and its behind the rare form of the condition called early-onset Huntingtons.
These scans may reveal changes in the brain in areas affected by Huntingtons disease.
MRI and CT scans can also help rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms.
Your neurologist may also ask about symptoms related to your mood and mental status.
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Prognosis of Huntingtons Disease
Huntingtons is a neurodegenerative disease with no cure.
Because its a progressive disease, your symptoms will worsen over the rest of your life.
As the disease progresses, youll likely need assistance to perform daily tasks and, ultimately, full-time care.
Pneumonia is the most frequent cause of death among people with Huntingtons, followed by heart disease and suicide.
As theres no cure, once youre diagnosed, youll have Huntingtons for the rest of your life.
Most people with Huntingtons die in their fifties, according to the NIH.
In addition, there are steps you could take to help you manage day-to-day activities with Huntingtons.
However, these drugs wont have any effect on the progression of the disease.
They can also teach you how to use communication devices as your speech symptoms worsen.
These exercises can help you stay mobile and prevent falls.
Currently, there are no known interventions that can reduce these odds.
Complications of Huntingtons Disease
There are several health complications linked with Huntingtons disease.
Research and Statistics: Who Has Huntingtons Disease?
However, symptom onset in people younger than 10 and older than 70 is rare.
Huntingtons Disease Around the World
Huntingtons disease affects people of all ethnic groups.
However, the frequency of the condition in different countries varies greatly.
Its unclear why this is the case.
However, the symptoms of Parkinsons typically begin much later, when people are in their fifties or sixties.
However, tremor most often develops following a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
The symptoms of Huntingtons also resemble those ofamyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrigs disease.
He is based in New York City.
How Parkinsons Affects Your Movement
