Although not directly related to HD, stress is nevertheless related to the progression of the disease because it adds to the neurodegeneration that is already taking place. Chronic stress can alter nerve cells, brain structure, and brain function.
Huntington's disease is caused by a faulty gene. Cells in parts of the brain are very sensitive to the effects of the faulty gene. This makes them function poorly and eventually die. A parent with the Huntington's disease gene has one good copy of the gene and one faulty copy.
Huntington's disease is caused by an inherited difference in a single gene. Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant disorder, which means that a person needs only one copy of the nontypical gene to develop the disorder.
Of these, CAG repeat length in the huntingtin gene is the most important risk factor. For the progression of HD: genetic, demographic, past medical/clinical and environmental risk factors have been studied. Of these factors, genetic factors appear to play the most important role in the progression of HD.
Early symptoms
The first symptoms of Huntington's disease often include: difficulty concentrating. memory lapses. depression – including low mood, a lack of interest in things, and feelings of hopelessness.
Symptoms of Huntington's disease usually develop between ages 30 and 50, but they can appear as early as age 2 or as late as 80. The hallmark symptom of Huntington's disease is uncontrolled movement of the arms, legs, head, face and upper body.
Who does Huntington's disease (HD) affect? Although anyone can develop HD, it tends to run in people of European descent (having family members who came from Europe). But the main factor is whether you have a parent with HD. If you do, you have a 50% chance of also having the disease.
Can Huntington's disease be prevented or avoided? Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder. It cannot be prevented or avoided.
It affects males and females equally and crosses all ethnic and racial boundaries. Typically, symptoms begin between age 30 and 55. Children of parents with Huntington's disease have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the HD gene.
The overall presentation of HD was considered to be initially mild by most families in this study, but progression in motor and/or behavior symptoms eventually occurred in all 30 subjects evaluated more than once.
Symptoms typically emerge from age 30 to 50, but also can develop in children and older adults. Late-onset Huntington's, characterized by some as emerging after age 5o and others after age 60, is thought to be less severe than earlier onset Huntington's.
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that usually starts in mid-adult life. The clinical disease progresses to death over an average of 20 years.
HD affects the whole brain, but certain areas are more vulnerable than others. Pictured above in blue is the striatum – an area deep in the brain that plays a key role in movement, mood, and behavior control. The striatum is the part of the brain that is most affected by HD.
Although no disease-modifying therapies currently exist to slow or halt the progression of Huntington's disease, many new types of treatment are under investigation that may offer hope for the future.
Growth hormone and ghrelin secretion are associated with clinical severity in Huntington's disease. Eur J Neurol.
Both men and women can get it. If a parent has the Huntington's disease gene, there's a: 1 in 2 (50%) chance of each of their children developing the condition – affected children are also able to pass the gene to any children they have.
Pneumonia: Difficulty swallowing and decreased mobility can increase the risk of pneumonia, including aspiration pneumonia. Infections: Infections can develop as a result of the overall decline in health and as a result of diminished self-care.
“Because some of the cognitive and physical impairments develop early, you want to start doing appropriate therapies as soon as possible. Aerobic exercise paired with resistance training is going to be the best to help slow down the impairments caused by the disease.”
Foods to avoid for Huntington's disease
These foods include: Raw fruits. Stringy vegetables. Tough, crusty breads.
The bottom line. Being physically and mentally active in life is good for everyone, and particularly for those at risk of developing HD, because it might affect symptom onset.
When alcohol becomes a coping mechanism for Huntington's disease, that's when it becomes a problem. “With any neurodegenerative or medical disease, drinking a lot can certainly affect your balance and your gait,” says Dr. Oguh.
In early stage HD, individuals are largely functional and may continue to work, drive, handle money, and live independently. Symptoms may include minor involuntary movements, subtle loss of coordination, difficulty thinking through complex problems, and perhaps some depression, irritability, or disinhibition.
Pneumonia and heart disease are the two leading causes of death for people with HD.