Dementia > Huntington’s Disease

What is Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease is a fatal brain disorder caused by inherited changes in a single gene. These changes lead to destruction of nerve cells in certain brain regions.

Scientists identified the gene in 1993. Anyone with a parent with Huntington’s has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene, and everyone who inherits it will eventually develop the disorder. In about 1 to 3 percent of cases, no history of the disease can be found in other family members.

Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

• Involuntary movements such as twitches and muscle spasms
  
  
• Problems with balance and coordination
  
  
• Personality changes such as irritability, depression and mood swings
  
  
• Trouble with memory, concentration, or making decisions
  
  
• The age when symptoms develop and the rate of progression varies from person to person