Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder in which nerve cells in the brain progressively die. It affects the mind, body and emotions of thousands of people in the United States. The University of Kansas Health System offers advanced resources to help people with Huntington's disease manage symptoms and optimize their quality of life.

Huntington's disease is an autosomal, inherited disorder that affects behavior, cognition and motor control. It is an adult-onset genetic disease, passed from parent to child, and requires increasing assistance for the patient over the condition's 15- to 20-year progression. For every affected individual, there may be several more at risk, such as siblings or children who carry the gene, but don't yet exhibit the symptoms.

Huntington's disease affects the entire family. The chances of a child receiving the abnormal gene from a parent are 50%. Every person who carries the gene will develop symptoms if they live long enough. These symptoms include:

• Changes in coordination, including involuntary movements, progressing to more pronounced coordination issues and muscle stiffness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty thinking through problems
• Diminished speech
• Psychiatric issues, including irritability that might lead to depression

In the later stages of the disease, it's common to be fully dependent upon a caregiver.

The University of Kansas Health System offers movement disorder specialists who are entirely dedicated to diagnosing and treating movement disorders such as Huntington's disease. They will evaluate your medical history and perform a complete physical exam. Your evaluation includes:

• Behavior assessment
• Cognitive assessment
• Detailed family history
• Medical history
• Neurological exam
• Physical exam
• Psychological exam

There is no cure for Huntington's disease, but our care team focuses on helping you cope with the diagnosis and management of the disease. Treatment options may include:

• Counseling for you and your caregivers
• Medications for movement or psychiatric disorders
• Occupational therapy to develop strategies for living at home with the disease
• Physical therapy for maintaining strength, flexibility, balance and coordination
• Speech therapy for improving the ability to speak or swallow