Huntingtons disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It is caused by a mistake in the DNA instructions that build our bodies and keep them running, and is passed down in families from generation to generation. The disease usually causes movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms, and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some of the common symptoms of Huntington's disease include:
- Involuntary movement problems and impairments in voluntary movements
- Mood swings, feeling irritable, not being active, feeling apathetic, depressed, or angry
- Changes in behavior, including withdrawal from social activities
- Forgetfulness and impaired judgment
- Unsteady gait and difficulty in swallowing
- Slurred speech and significant weight loss
The symptoms usually start at 30 to 50 years of age, but can begin much earlier or later. There is currently no cure for Huntington's disease or any way to stop it from getting worse, but treatment and support can help reduce some of the problems it causes.
