HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease

Introduction

Huntington's disease, often referred to as HD, is a neuro-generative disorder that affects both men and women. In late 1800s, an American physician, Dr. George Huntington, first described the condition. This disease was previously known as Huntington's chorea, or HC. This hereditary condition causes abnormalities to occur in the central nervous system and affects the ability of the person to think, talk, and perform voluntary body movements. It commonly occurs in adults; however, it may rarely be seen in children, as well. (Huntington's disease Association 2012)

Discussion

Prevalence of HD

The studies of the 1970s and 1980s shows a prevalence rate of HD to be approximately 6 to 7 cases per 100, 000 of the population. However, recent studies have proven the rate to be unquestionably higher. In most of Europe, HD affects almost 4 to 8 per 100, 000 people (Wise, 2010, p. 3516).

Characteristics of HD

Huntington's disease present with a wide array of brain abnormalities. The symptoms of the disease become apparent gradually between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Some of the earliest symptoms of the condition comprises of minor, involuntary muscular movements, stumbling, impaired memory, and alterations in the mood. Alteration in the mood or personality changes may be the earliest sign, which may be missed. They may occur as many as ten years, before the abnormal muscular movements. The disease then progresses to impairment of memory and abnormal involuntarily movements. Symptoms become worse as the disease progresses; however, in some rare cases, involuntary movements reduce in the later course of the condition. HD can result in death within 15 to 20 years after the onset of symptoms. They usually results from associated secondary medical condition, such as pneumonia (MedicineNet.com, n.d.).

Disorders of Movement

HD was formerly known as Huntington's chorea, Greek word for dance, because to its characteristic abnormal, muscular movements. These comprises of a typical, jerking movements in rapid succession, with no control of the person. These movements may involve all four limbs, as well as, the trunk. Specific movements involving the face may also be seen. Some other abnormal movements become apparent as the disease progresses and consist of athetosis, slow, writhing movement of limbs; dystonia, postural changes; and Parkinson-like slow, involuntary movements. HD patients are prone to fall while standing (MedicineNet.com, n.d.).

Abnormal Eye movements

As the symptoms progress, abnormal rapid movements of the eyes can also result especially while looking up or down. Some patients may suffer from oculomotor apraxia, which refers to difficulty in looking sideways, causing patients to move their head for a full lateral vision (MedicineNet.com, n.d.).

Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism refers to Parkinsonism-like symptom due to other medical conditions. Many patients demonstrate slow muscular movements with enhance muscle rigidity. This typically occurs in last stages of the diseases, or in juvenile-onset HD (MedicineNet.com, n.d.).

Memory and neurological symptoms

People affected with HD suffer from forgetfulness, which progressively get worse. The thinking process becomes slower; however, the ability to talk and understand remains intact throughout the course of the ...