MIDDLE STAGE
The late intermediate stage usually lasts between five and 16 years from disease onset.
The disease goes on to progresses over several years and can be divided into five stages. Huntington's disease (HD) is a complex disorder that affects a person's ability to feel, think, and move. Symptoms tend to worsen over time and the disease often runs in families.
Slow progression was associated with older age at onset of disease and with heavier weight (body mass index) at the first examination. Men tended to have a slower disease progression than did women, and this was particularly evident among men inheriting Huntington's disease from affected mothers.
People can start to show the symptoms of Huntington's disease at almost any age. Most will develop problems between the ages of 30 and 50. The condition gradually gets worse for around 10-25 years, until the person dies.
Early Stage: In this stage patients can still perform most of their usual activities. They may still be working and may still be able to drive. Involuntary movements are mild and infrequent, speech is still clear, and dementia, if present at all, is mild.
After Huntington's disease starts, a person's functional abilities gradually worsen over time. The rate of disease progression and duration varies. The time from the first symptoms to death is often about 10 to 30 years. Juvenile Huntington's disease usually results in death within 10 years after symptoms develop.
Weight loss can make symptoms worse and weaken the patient's immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections and other complications. Huntington's disease itself is not usually fatal, but it can lead to choking, pneumonia, or other infections that can lead to death.
Progress has been made in identifying possible ways of slowing down or halting the condition by "switching off" the faulty gene that causes it. Several treatments are now going through clinical trials. If they're found to be safe and effective, they might be available in several years' time.
When involuntary movements become more frequent, there is a chance the patient can get hurt. Also memory and speech may be affected more and lead to other problems. At this point an assisted living facility or memory care facility may be needed.
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.
Mood and behavioral changes
Agitation, irritability, and aggression are other possible personality changes. Some patients may experience hallucinations and delusions that can severely affect their day-to-day interactions. Living with Huntington's can induce feelings of anxiety, depression, apathy, and frustration.
Huntington's is a progressive disease. Once the symptoms appear, they continue and worsen over time. In most cases, they become noticeable between the ages of 30 and 50 and typically begin gradually. Although their onset and progression can vary from person to person, they fall into three basic categories.
Huntington's disease is a condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. It's passed on (inherited) from a person's parents. It gets gradually worse over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years.
Can exercise delay Huntington's disease? Physical activities can help lessen the physical symptoms of Huntington's disease. In fact, at the moment, a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training is considered your best option.
Pneumonia and heart disease are the two leading causes of death for people with HD.
Conclusion The most primary cause of death in HD is aspiration pneumonia.
Huntington's disease treatment research
“A recently concluded trial demonstrated a once-a-day medication, valbenazine, can improve chorea symptoms in Huntington's disease and is currently awaiting FDA approval,” noted Forbes.
In Huntington's advanced stage, patients are totally dependent on others for their care. They can't walk or communicate with their loved ones, although they are generally able to understand what is being said and who everyone is.
Stage IV: (9 - 21 years from illness onset)
Requires major assistance in financial affairs, domestic responsibilities, and most activities of daily living. For instance, comprehension of the nature and purpose of procedures may be intact, but major assistance is required to act on them.
The most painful conditions in Huntington's, said Achterberg, are limb pain, headache, abdominal pain and fractures. “I think we should do more work in validation of pain tools, including observational pain instruments,” he said. “And for clinicians, I suggest you be especially aware of abdominal pain.”
Early symptoms
memory lapses. depression – including low mood, a lack of interest in things, and feelings of hopelessness. stumbling and clumsiness. mood swings, such as irritability or aggressive behaviour.
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.