Not all people with Huntington's disease will experience the same behavioural problems, since the disease affects people differently. The severity of behavioural changes can range from mild and barely noticeable to enormously disruptive.
The sections of the brain that help us to plan, organise and commence actions are affected by Huntington's disease. The person may appear lazy, because they will do nothing except, for example, lie in bed or watch television if left to their own devices. Tasks have to be performed in a certain order. For example, washing the dishes requires filling the sink with hot water and detergent, cleaning the dishes, drying them and putting them away.
A person with Huntington's disease can remember the parts of the task, but not the correct order. They might fill the sink with hot water, but then put the dirty plates away without washing them. A person with Huntington's disease may seem more careless. For example, they may not clean the house properly or may fail to maintain their usual standards of personal hygiene. The awareness of social conventions may decrease, resulting in for example lewd or rude comments to others. Some people with Huntington's disease become easily irritated or angered.
Some people with Huntington's disease may come across as self-centred and selfish. As the disease progresses, the parts of the brain that help control the muscles of the face, throat and tongue are increasingly affected. This can cause the person to have considerable speech difficulties. The person may not initiate conversations either, as the sections of brain responsible for this are also impaired.
Individual and family support workers are employed in all regions to support people with Huntington's disease, those at risk and their families.
Services include:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The characteristic features of Angelman syndrome are not always obvious at birth, but develop during childhood. Latest research suggests that most cancers are caused by environmental rather than genetic factors.
Folic acid taken before conception, and during at least the first four weeks of pregnancy, can prevent around seven out of 10 cases of neural tube defects. Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways some people experience minor motor skill problems, while others may be totally physically dependent.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is the most common inherited disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
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Those seeking testing should be counseled about possible problems that they may encounter with regard to health, life, and disability insurance coverage; employment and educational discrimination; and changes in social and family interaction. Informed consent should be obtained and records kept confidential. People who are found to carry a Huntington disease-causing gene mutation need arrangements for long-term follow-up and evaluations.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Huntington disease HD. The current goal of treatment is to slow down the course of the disease and help affected people function for as long and as comfortably as possible. Depression and suicide are more common among affected people, so caregivers should monitor for associated symptoms and seek help if necessary. As symptoms of the disease worsen, affected people need more assistance, supervision, and care.
References References. Huntington disease. Genetics Home Reference. Huntington Disease. Share this content:. Close Copy Link. You May Be Interested In. How to Find a Disease Specialist. Tips for the Undiagnosed. Support for Patients and Families. Very occasionally, it's possible to develop Huntington's disease without having a history of it in your family. But this is usually just because one of your parents was never diagnosed with it.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist for tests to check for Huntington's disease. There's currently no cure for Huntington's disease or any way to stop it getting worse. Read more about treatment and support for Huntington's disease. Living with Huntington's disease can be very distressing and frustrating for the person with the condition, as well as their loved ones and carers.
This will help you function for as long as possible. There is no single treatment for the disorder. Medicines can be used to treat some symptoms. Medicines used for treating uncontrolled body movement generally have side effects. They may make you nauseated, sleepy, or restless.
Adapting your everyday life to the symptoms of the disorder is necessary. Different therapies can help.
You may require:. You also may require assistance at home for activities of daily living. These could include cooking, cleaning, and everyday chores. As the disorder progresses, you may need help in dressing, eating, and toileting. There may come a time that you need hour care. That means it gets worse over time. Living with the disorder means preparing for the symptoms to worsen.
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