Huntington’s Disease Huntington’s Disease is a genetic autosomal disorder which effects the brain. It affects about 1 in 20,000 individuals. The symptoms of the disease do not start to occur until after or around 40 years of age. With the onset of the disease the patient starts to gradually deteriorate intellectually, this deterioration also causes involuntary movements. Scientists have only recently found the section of the gene which causes Huntington’s disease, and this is allowed them to devise pre-symptomatic tests. However, a cure for the disease is yet to be found.SymptomsThe symptoms of the Huntington’s disease vary from person to person. They can be grouped in two categories: Abnormal involuntary movements and intellectual deterioration, which includes memory loss. Each symptom progresses at a different rate. Sometimes the progress of the symptoms can stop after around 10 years, or it may even lessen. However, other times if the symptoms just get worse and worse it may eventually lead to death. This is usually due to infection and the deterioration of various organs in the body.In the early stages the victims can become irritable or moody. They will have a short temper. Things that may seem inconsequential to others may be very upsetting to the person with HD who is moody and becomes angry easily.As the disease progresses emotional symptoms and personality changes are also observed. However, this could be partly due to their self-consciousness and lack of confidence. They become aggressive and have outbursts when they find it difficult to do something. A person with HD cannot manage more than one task at the same time. HistoryOn 15 February, 1872, Dr George Huntington gave a speech and stated the three marked features of this disease. He stated that this was not a new disease and he was the not the first to describe it, however his name has become associated with the disorder he summari...
