Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s disease is a condition that causes a deterioration of
nerve cells in the brain. It is an inherited disease that usually
starts in middle age with slow progression of the symptoms. It seldom
begins at an early age; but if it does, it could be much more severe
and could rapidly progress to damaging symptoms.
When Huntington’s disease begins with mild symptoms, the patient can
disguise the disease by pretending the jerks and movements are natural
traits. In the progression of the symptoms, the movements become
more noticeable and eventually affect all body parts and limit the
person’s ability to function in any normal activities.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, but drugs will give
partial relief. Huntington’s disease is similar to many other
conditions of the brain and nervous system which have no options for
treatment. However, there is much research being done for this disease.
Stem cell research is particularly encouraging.
