Huntington’s Disease BY: SAM DAVIS, SABRINA TRAN, MYA LUNA, MYLES BLACKWELL AND EAMONN DUENSING

Huntington’s Disease o The Huntington disease was named for George Huntington o He was the first physician to described this disease in 1872 o Huntington Disease used to be known as Huntington Chorea o Huntington was found at East Hampton, Long Island o is

Type of Genetic Disorder Inherited condition in which nerve cells in the brain break down overtime. (affects mobility) It’s rare, with fewer than 200,000 US cases per year Usually starts in a person in 30’s or 40’s Every child of someone who has HD has a 50/50 chance of also getting the disorder/disease.

Graphic of Huntington’s Disease

Symptoms of Disorder Cognitive: amnesia, delusion, lack of concentration, memory loss, mental confusion, slowness in activity and thought, or difficulty thinking and understanding Muscular: abnormality walking, increased muscle activity, involuntary movements, problems with coordination, loss of muscle, or muscle spasms Behavioral: compulsive behavior, fidgeting, irritability, or lack of restraint Psychological: delirium, depression, hallucination, or paranoia Mood: anxiety, apathy, or mood swings Also common: tremor, weight loss, or impaired voice

Effects of Disorder Huntington’s disease is when you have almost no control over your movements Involuntary jerking or writhing movements (chorea) Muscle problems, such as rigidity or muscle contracture (dystonia) Slow or abnormal eye movements. The disease destroys cells in the basal ganglia, the part of the brain that controls movement, emotion, and cognitive ability.

Diagnosis of Individual ◦Q: Explain how doctors determine a person has the disorder? ◦A: Doctors have to do tests, and exams. They check if any problems is causing your symptoms, and check for any related complications. ◦Q: How does family medical get caused over tends weeks and months? ◦A: It reviews on your family medical history, and Neurological and Sympatric examinations. Check the blood from HIV Antibodies. Takes 8 weeks for your body to produce antibodies, but in some cases it can take up six months.

Life expectancy and limitations Life expectancy can change between how bad the symptom's are. Once diagnosed with HD patients can live from 10 to 30 years more depending on symptom severity. With HD you have limited mobility. Also you may lose the ability to speak clearly. Living with someone who has HD can be emotionally upsetting because sometimes the family has to make a difficult choice.

Treatment and Medication Huntington cannot be cured but treatment can help. Physical therapy and talk therapy can help manage symptoms. Physical therapist: Restores muscle strength and function through exercise. Neurologist: Treats nervous system disorders. Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications. Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases. Medical geneticist: Diagnoses and manages hereditary disorders

Current Research ◦Baltimore Huntington's Disease causes brain disorder, that causes uncontrolled movements, emotional problems, and loss of thinking ability. ◦HD is an inherited disorder that causes degeneration of brain cells

2 nd Graphic Disorder

Summary In conclusion Huntington's Disease is a disease that occurs in the brain. The disease slowly breaks down nerve cells causing a decrease in mobility (movement). It also effects the ability to speak. It usually occurs in someone’s 30’s or 40’s. HD patients can live from 10 to 30 years depending on symptom severity.

Works Cited Page instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF- 8#q=what%20is%20huntington%27s%20disease Dr. Chen-kung Ding