What is Huntington's Disease in Real Life?

Understanding Huntington’s Disease | Genetic Cause & Daily Challenges

Therefore, people suffering from HD often display uncontrollable dance-like movements (chorea) and abnormal body postures. There might be some behavioural problems or issues with emotion, thinking capacity, and personality.

Types of Huntington's Disease

There are two types of HD. Let us discuss these types hereunder:

• Adult Onset: It is the most common type of HD. The symptoms of this type of Huntington's disease become prominent after the age of 30.
• Early Onset: This type of HD is more common among young children or teenagers. However, this type of HD is rare.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

This disease affects you both physically and mentally. Here is a list of symptoms that manifest physically:

• Inability to properly coordinate
• Difficulties in walking
• Trouble swallowing food
• Slurred speech
• Involuntary movements such as jerking and twitching
   

This disease initially exhibits mild symptoms such as difficulties while holding a pen and experiencing clumsiness or loss of balance.

Other symptoms that one might display are as follows:

• Frequent changes in emotions like mood swings, depression and irritability.
• Difficulties in focusing, memorising, and multitasking.
• Problems with learning about a new topic.
• Difficulties while making decisions and reasoning.  
   

Causes of Huntington's Disease

When there is a genetic mutation of the HTT gene, it causes Huntington's disease. The HTT gene is responsible for producing the protein huntingtin. This protein is crucial for the proper functioning of your neurones.  

If there is a mutation in your HTT gene, your DNA lacks specific information on how to produce huntingtin protein. The outcome is that the protein grows in an abnormal shape and negatively impacts your neurones. Eventually, this genetic mutation causes your neurones to die.

This destruction of neurones happens in the area of the brain which is responsible for regulating bodily movements. It affects the brain's surface, which regulates your decision-making and memorising abilities.
 

Complications Due to Huntington's Disease

HD is a progressive disorder, wherein the symptoms tend to get severe with time. Complications that you can face due to worsening signs and symptoms:

• Physical injuries due to involuntary movements, i.e., falling
• Dementia (loss of the brain’s proper functioning, memory, and personality change)
• Difficulties in swallowing, drinking, or eating.
• Infections (such as pneumonia)
• Unable to walk without support
   

Preventive Measures for Huntington's Disease

There are several steps one can take to live a quality life with HD as it progresses.  Let us look at some of the suggestions:

• Exercising Regularly: Doing exercises for about 30 to 45 minutes daily will improve both your physical and mental health.
• Eating a balanced diet: You can consider consulting a dietitian to help you plan your nutrition intake. Studies show that involuntary movement burns about 400–1,000calories a day.
• Proper Hydration: Dehydration puts you at risk of having trouble when eating and swallowing. Having lots of water and incorporating seasonal vegetables and fruits in your diet will help your body.
• Knowledge about the Condition: You must obtain all information about your condition to know what situations trigger it. Consult your healthcare professional on this journey.
   

As we know, HD is a condition that will affect your lifestyle if no proper steps are taken to curb its negative impact. Staying in touch with a medical professional throughout this journey will help you navigate through it.