Vitamin E could potentially help treat neurodegenerative diseases such as HD by protecting nerve cell membranes (which are made of lipids) from oxidation by free radicals, which can lead to cell death. (For more information on free radical damage, click here.)
Based on these observations, the researchers think it's possible that individuals with HD might also benefit from thiamine and biotin vitamin supplementation. “Like HD, BTBGD causes damage to a part of the brain called the striatum, which leads to problems with movement, mood, and thinking.
“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.
Choose soft, easy-to-chew and easy-to-swallow foods (aim for the consistency of porridge). Use plenty of sauces and gravies to help make main meals easier to swallow. Add plenty of custards, ice-cream and cream to desserts. Avoid hard foods such as nuts and lollies.
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.
Caffeine boosts a neuroprotective protein in the brain that is lost in neurodegenerative conditions such as Huntington's disease, according to a study. Researchers identified 23 other compounds that also act on the protein, known as NMNAT2.
Research studies have suggested that exercise is beneficial for reducing symptoms and maximizing function in persons with HD. Maintaining a healthy heart is important to the health of all persons, no matter their disability. Persons with HD should engage in aerobic activities ideally for at least 150 minutes a week.
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.
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.
In previous work with HD mice, Duan and her colleagues found that calorie restriction (reducing calories by about 30 percent through alternate day feeding) slowed the disease progression and extended lifespan.
In addition to suggesting that creatine could slow the progression of Huntington's disease, these results also imply that neuroimaging may provide a useful way to measure disease modification when studying other potential treatments.
Conclusion The most primary cause of death in HD is aspiration pneumonia.
brain-supporting essential oils such as rosemary, frankincense and turmeric oil. lion's mane mushroom.
Plants such as Bacopa monnieri, Celastrus paniculatus, Centella asiatica, Gastrodia elata, Panax ginseng, and Withania somnifera are some examples that possess anti-HD properties.
Promising New Advances in Huntington's Disease Research
Huntington's Disease Reprogrammed iPSCs allows robust and scalable generation of human glutamatergic neurons in wild type and CRISPR-Cas9 engineered disease lines carrying 50CAG mutation in the HTT gene.
The disease gets worse over time. Early signs of HD can vary, but often include mild clumsiness or problems with balance or movement, cognitive or psychiatric symptoms (problems with thinking or emotion), and changes in behavior.
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.
Food suggestions
These so-called “brain foods” include vitamin B12, foods rich in antioxidants andg omega-3, and healthy fats, which are found in foods such as nuts, olive oil and avocados. Research has also suggested that a lower intake of dairy products may help delay onset of the disease.
Many people with Huntington's disease report that their sleep patterns are affected and sometimes are awake most of the night, then continually catnap or doze throughout the day. Many find themselves experiencing long periods being awake or asleep.
A history of high alcohol intake seems to be linked to increased motor impairment and a higher burden of psychiatric symptoms in Huntington's disease patients, a large international study suggests.
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.
People with HD may inadequately chew foods, and commonly add more mouthfuls of food before swallowing. Poor coordination may lead to frequent choking on liquids and on solid food. Aspiration of liquids or food may lead to pneumonia or even to death by choking.
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.