The Triple Challenge:Optimizing HIV Treatment for Patients with Co-occurring...Dr. Glenda Clare (LION)
The Triple Challenge:Optimizing HIV Treatment for Patients with Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder
This presentation was made by Dr. Glenda Clare at a state conference in Georgia.
Huntington’s Disease – Can genetic testing help?kanew396
Huntington’s disease is a disease that causes the breakdown and death of nerve cells in the brain. It’s progressive, which means it steadily worsens over time. Most people inherit the disorder from a parent, but in some cases, a person can have Huntington’s without a family history. GenomeSmart can help you understand the role of genetic testing as you plan your family.
The Triple Challenge:Optimizing HIV Treatment for Patients with Co-occurring...Dr. Glenda Clare (LION)
The Triple Challenge:Optimizing HIV Treatment for Patients with Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder
This presentation was made by Dr. Glenda Clare at a state conference in Georgia.
Huntington’s Disease – Can genetic testing help?kanew396
Huntington’s disease is a disease that causes the breakdown and death of nerve cells in the brain. It’s progressive, which means it steadily worsens over time. Most people inherit the disorder from a parent, but in some cases, a person can have Huntington’s without a family history. GenomeSmart can help you understand the role of genetic testing as you plan your family.
Counselor Toolbox Podcast with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes produces 2 episodes each week and offers CEUs based on the podcast at AllCEUs.com/counselortoolbox
Huntington's disease is a condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. It's passed on (inherited) from a person's parents. It gets gradually worse over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years.
Counselor Toolbox Podcast with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes produces 2 episodes each week and offers CEUs based on the podcast at AllCEUs.com/counselortoolbox
Huntington's disease is a condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. It's passed on (inherited) from a person's parents. It gets gradually worse over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years.
Understanding Huntington's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment OptionsThe Lifesciences Magazine
Huntington's disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, located on chromosome 4. This mutation leads to the production of an abnormal form of the huntingtin protein, which accumulates in brain cells, particularly in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex.
Anxiety
-Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear about a future event that is causing a feeling of fear and dread.Getting anxiety sometimes is an expected part of life. One may feel anxious when one meets a problem at work, unable to reach a decision or before taking a test. It causes the heart to beat at a higher rate and sometimes causes sweating. It can be a common stress reaction.
Data and Statistics: –In the survey, UNICEF conducted, there are only 41% of young people in India believe that it is good to meet counsellors for mental health problems compared.
the survey previewed in the state of the world’s children 2021 also found that around 14% of 15 to 24-year-olds in India, or one in 7 are depressed or have no interest in new things or things which they used to do.
3 Types of Anxiety Disorder in India?
There are three types of Anxiety: –
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in India ?
People with GAD worry about common issues such as money, work, family, and Health. However, their anxieties are excessive, and they have had them for at least six months.
Causes of GAD in India ?
History of a family with anxiety
Childhood abuse
Health problems like Thyroid or Heart Arrhythmia
Ample use of caffeine or Tobacco
11 Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in India ?
Anxiety symptoms vary from person to person, and generally, your body reacts to anxiety differently. Your body goes on high alert whenever you feel uneasiness or anxiety and your body activates a fight response. some of the symptoms are
Difficulty in concentration
Irritability
A sense of fear
Uneasiness
Rapid heart rate
Weakness and lethargic
Insomnia
Digestive or gastrointestinal problems
Fixation on a certain idea
Heavy sweating
Rapid breathing
Panic Anxiety Disorder in India
A panic attack is an impromptu episode of feeling intense fear that causes severe physical reactions when there isn’t any real danger. Panic attacks can be very intimidating. When it occurs, one might think that one is losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying.
4 Causes of Panic Anxiety Disorder in India
Genetic
Major
Drug addiction
Alcoholism
8 Symptoms of Panic Anxiety Disorder in India
Nausea
Chill or Hot flashes
Sweating
Shaking or Trembling
Numbness
Hyperventilation
Heart Palpitations
Chest pain
Phobias Disorder in India
People with phobias have a strong dread of something that isn’t dangerous. Their phobias might include spiders, flying, crowded areas, or social situations.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in India
PTSD develops when a person is exposed to a stressful incident, such as:
War
Assault
Accident
Natural disaster
Symptoms may include disturbing dreams, flashbacks of traumatic events.
Separation Anxiety Disorder in India
This is a disorder that occurs when a child is separated from their parents it is difficult for children to deal with this situation sometimes, they develop this disorder when they fail to recover from this separation.
When to see a Doctor in Anxiety Disorder India
Answering your questions about genetics and your health | Genes in Lifejohndemello7
Genes in Life provides answer to your questions about genetics and health. It is the place where you learn the importance and effects of genetics on human life.
Visit http://genesinlife.org/ .
-Definition of mental health
-Definition of mental illness
-When do you need to see a psychiatrist?
-Causes of mental illness
-Consequences of mental illness
-Treatment team
-Medications used in mental illness
-Myths and facts about mental illness (misconceptions)
Mental health refers to the maintenance of successful mental activity.
This includes maintaining productive daily activities and maintaining fulfilling relationships with others.
It also includes maintaining the abilities to adapt to change and to
cope with stresses.
Week 5 Focused SOAP Note and Patient Case Presentation Cosamirapdcosden
Week 5: Focused SOAP Note and Patient Case Presentation
College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University
NRNP 6675: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan 2 Practicum
Introduction
Psychosis is a mental condition in which a person's ideas and perceptions are disrupted,
and the individual may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
A health condition, medications, or drug usage can all contribute to psychosis. Delusions,
hallucinations, incomprehensible speech, and agitation are all possible signs; the patient has
incorrect beliefs and sees or hears things that others do not see or hear. The person suffering from
the disease is usually unaware of his or her actions. Medication, psychotherapy, peer support,
family support and education, and talk therapy are all options for treatment. More or less every
mental intervention is backed by evidence accumulated during the patient's initial interview; each
patient's therapy begins with a thorough medical and mental health evaluation, the incorporation
of trust, and a discussion of past mental health history, substance misuse history, family mental
health history, and so on. In this example, the patient's evaluation was documented, and a
diagnosis was made based on the information collected from the patient during the evaluation.
When the case was being developed, a therapeutic approach was designed. The patient is a 53-
year-old Caucasian male who was scheduled for an initial screening for a psychotic disorder after
his sister recommended a visit to the psychiatrist because patient's behavior changed since the
mother passed away.
Patient Initial: S.T Age: 53 Gender: Male
Subjective Data:
CC: "I was brought here by my sister because since my mother passed away, I was living on my
own and not bothering anyone. Those people outside my window they are after me. They just
want me dead".
HPI: When patient was asked " what people?". Patient said " the government sent them to get
me because my taxes are high". Suddenly patient asked the provider if she can see the birds or
hear any loud noise. The provider responded by redirecting the patient that she does not hear any
voice or see anything. When the provider how long he is been hearing the voices or seeing
things, patient said " for weeks, weeks and weeks". Patient also said the sister tapped her phone
with the government. When asked about sleep, patient said " I have not slept well because the
voices keep me up for days. I try to watch the TV, they poison my food on TV, I locked
everything down in the fridge". Suddenly patient asked " Can I smoke?". Provider said "no you
can't smoke here". Patient admit that he smokes all day about 3 packs a day. Drinks alcohol
which his sister purchased for him to last him for weeks. Patient denies use of drugs. Admit to
history of marijuana use 3 years ago before the m ...
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
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- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/kqbnxVAZs-0
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/SINlygW1Mpc
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
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Basavarajeeyam is an important text for ayurvedic physician belonging to andhra pradehs. It is a popular compendium in various parts of our country as well as in andhra pradesh. The content of the text was presented in sanskrit and telugu language (Bilingual). One of the most famous book in ayurvedic pharmaceutics and therapeutics. This book contains 25 chapters called as prakaranas. Many rasaoushadis were explained, pioneer of dhatu druti, nadi pareeksha, mutra pareeksha etc. Belongs to the period of 15-16 century. New diseases like upadamsha, phiranga rogas are explained.
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
CDSCO and Phamacovigilance {Regulatory body in India}NEHA GUPTA
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is India's national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Operating under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, the CDSCO is responsible for approving new drugs, conducting clinical trials, setting standards for drugs, controlling the quality of imported drugs, and coordinating the activities of State Drug Control Organizations by providing expert advice.
Pharmacovigilance, on the other hand, is the science and activities related to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problems. The primary aim of pharmacovigilance is to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines, thereby protecting public health.
In India, pharmacovigilance activities are monitored by the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), which works closely with CDSCO to collect, analyze, and act upon data regarding adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Together, they play a critical role in ensuring that the benefits of drugs outweigh their risks, maintaining high standards of patient safety, and promoting the rational use of medicines.
Local Advanced Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex Sys...Oleg Kshivets
Overall life span (LS) was 1671.7±1721.6 days and cumulative 5YS reached 62.4%, 10 years – 50.4%, 20 years – 44.6%. 94 LCP lived more than 5 years without cancer (LS=2958.6±1723.6 days), 22 – more than 10 years (LS=5571±1841.8 days). 67 LCP died because of LC (LS=471.9±344 days). AT significantly improved 5YS (68% vs. 53.7%) (P=0.028 by log-rank test). Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: N0-N12, T3-4, blood cell circuit, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells-CC and blood cells subpopulations), LC cell dynamics, recalcification time, heparin tolerance, prothrombin index, protein, AT, procedure type (P=0.000-0.031). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and N0-12 (rank=1), thrombocytes/CC (rank=2), segmented neutrophils/CC (3), eosinophils/CC (4), erythrocytes/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), stick neutrophils/CC (8), leucocytes/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (error=0.000; area under ROC curve=1.0).
Local Advanced Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex Sys...
Huntington chorea
1. Huntington's disease
Definition
Huntington's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes certain nerve cells in your brain
to waste away. As a result, you may experience uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances and
mental deterioration.
Huntington's disease is an inherited disease. Signs and symptoms usually develop in middle age.
Younger people with Huntington's disease often have a more severe case, and their symptoms may
progress more quickly. Rarely, children may develop Huntington's disease.
Medications are available to help manage the signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease, but
treatments can't prevent the physical and mental decline associated with the condition.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease can vary significantly from person to person.
Huntington's disease usually develops slowly, and the severity of signs and symptoms is related to the
degree of nerve cell loss. Death occurs about 10 to 30 years after signs and symptoms first appear. The
disease progression may occur faster in younger people.
Early signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease often include:
■Personality changes, such as irritability, anger, depression or a loss of interest
■Decreased cognitive abilities, such as difficulty making decisions, learning new information, answering
questions and remembering important information
■Mild balance problems
■Clumsiness
■Involuntary facial movements, such as grimacing
Your family and friends may notice these changes before you become aware of them.
Later signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease can include:
■Sudden jerky, involuntary movements (chorea) throughout your body
■Severe problems with balance and coordination
■Jerky, rapid eye movements
2. ■Hesitant, halting or slurred speech
■Swallowing problems
■Dementia
Young people who develop Huntington's disease may have signs and symptoms that mimic Parkinson's
disease:
■Muscle rigidity
■Tremors
■Slow movements
Seizures may also occur in those with early-onset Huntington's disease.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you notice changes in your movements, emotional control or mental ability. These
signs and symptoms can be the result of many conditions, so they don't necessarily mean you have
Huntington's disease.
If you have a family history of Huntington's disease, you may want to talk with your doctor about
genetic testing that can tell you whether or not you carry the defective gene. Deciding whether to be
tested for the gene is a personal decision. For some people, the uncertainty of whether they carry the
faulty gene is stressful and distracting. For others, the knowledge that they will develop the condition is
burdensome. If you're uncertain whether testing is right for you, consider contacting a genetic counselor
who can help you understand the implications of a positive or negative test result, walk you through the
testing process, and help you weigh the pros and cons. Ask your doctor for help locating a genetic
counselor.
Causes
Huntington's disease is an inherited condition caused by a single abnormal gene. Doctors refer to the
illness as an autosomal dominant disorder because only one copy of the defective gene, inherited from
either parent, is necessary to produce the disease. If one parent has the single faulty gene, the chance
that an offspring will have the defect is 50 percent. Because signs and symptoms typically first appear in
middle age, some parents may not know they carry the gene until they've already had children and
possibly passed on the trait.
If your child doesn't inherit the faulty gene, he or she won't develop Huntington's disease and can't pass
it on to the next generation. Everyone who has the gene eventually develops Huntington's disease, if he
or she lives long enough.
In 2006, researchers discovered that the protein expressed by the Huntington's gene interacts with
another protein to disturb the way that cholesterol accumulates in the brain.
3. Cholesterol is essential for healthy brain cells and the network among those brain cells — but the
cholesterol needs to be in proper levels and in the proper locations. When the network of brain cells is
disrupted, motor skills, cognitive skills and speech can be affected. If scientists can figure out a way to
disrupt this interaction between the proteins, they may eventually be able to develop a targeted drug
therapy.
Risk factors
If one of your parents has Huntington's disease, you have a 50 percent chance of developing the disease.
In rare cases, you may develop Huntington's disease without having a family history of the condition.
Such an occurrence may be the result of a genetic mutation that happened during your father's sperm
development.
Complications
After onset of the disease, signs and symptoms continue until death. Though the signs and symptoms
vary from person to person, vital functions, such as swallowing, eating, speaking and walking, usually
degenerate over time. Depression is common in Huntington's disease, and some people are at risk of
suicide. However, death generally occurs as a result of complications of the disease, such as a fall or an
infection like pneumonia.
Preparing for your appointment
Your first appointment may occur because you or a loved one has noticed that you have some signs and
symptoms of Huntington's disease, or it may be because you know one of your parents had the disease.
You can see your primary care physician initially, but if you're diagnosed with Huntington's disease you'll
likely be referred to a neurologist — a doctor who specializes in treating nervous system disorders — for
your care.
Because appointments can be brief, and there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well
prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment,
and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
■Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason
for which you scheduled the appointment.
■Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
■Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
■Ask a family member or friend to join you. Sometimes it can be hard to remember all the information
provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something
that you missed or forgot.
■Write down questions to ask your doctor.
4. Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of
your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.
For Huntington's disease, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
■Are my signs and symptoms caused by Huntington's disease?
■Are there any other possible causes for my symptoms?
■What kinds of tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis?
■What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
■What types of side effects can I expect from treatment?
■Are there any clinical trials available to me?
■What types of supportive care, such as occupational therapy, are available to me?
■Are there any dietary or activity restrictions that I need to follow?
■Will I be able to have children? What's my risk of passing it on to them?
■How long will I be able to live on my own?
■Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do
you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions
during your appointment any time you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to
go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
■When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
■Have your symptoms been continuous, or intermittent?
■Has anyone in your family ever been diagnosed with Huntington's disease?
■Are you having trouble performing any daily tasks?
■Has anyone in your family died young?
■Is anyone in your family in a nursing home?
5. ■Is anyone in your family fidgety or moving all the time?
■Do you feel sad all of the time?
Tests and diagnosis
During an initial evaluation, your doctor will:
■Perform a physical exam
■Ask about your medical history and your family medical history
■Ask about any recent emotional or intellectual changes
If your doctor suspects Huntington's disease, you'll likely:
■Undergo a psychiatric evaluation
■Meet with a genetic counselor to discuss the possibility of having a blood test to determine whether
you have the defective gene
If you know that one of your parents had Huntington's, ask your doctor about genetic testing. Genetic
testing is generally done in a setting where pre-test counseling and post-test support are available along
with testing.
Your doctor may also suggest:
■Computerized tomography (CT)
■Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
These imaging tests can help your doctor identify any changes to your brain's structure and rule out
other disorders.
Treatments and drugs
No satisfactory treatment is available to stop or reverse Huntington's disease. Some approaches can
control signs and symptoms, but Huntington's disease eventually causes physical and mental disability.
As the disease progresses, long-term nursing home care may be necessary.
Medications
Tetrabenazine (Xenazine) is the first medication to be specifically approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for the treatment of the signs or symptoms of Huntington's. It helps reduce the jerky,
involuntary movements of Huntington's disease by increasing the amount of dopamine available in the
brain. Possible side effects include insomnia, drowsiness, nausea and restlessness. This medication isn't
recommended for use in anyone with depression, especially anyone with suicidal thoughts.
6. Tranquilizers such as clonazepam (Klonopin) and antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol and clozapine
(Clozaril) can help control movements, violent outbursts and hallucinations. While these medications
can be helpful, a common side effect is sedation, and in some cases, these medications may cause
additional stiffness and rigidity.
Various medications, including fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), sertraline (Zoloft) and nortriptyline
(Pamelor), can help control depression and the obsessive-compulsive rituals that some people with
Huntington's disease develop. Medications such as lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) can help control extreme
emotions and mood swings.
Side effects from many of the drugs used to treat the symptoms of Huntington's disease may include
hyperexcitability, fatigue and restlessness.
Speech therapy
Huntington's disease can impair your speech, affecting your ability to express complex thoughts. You
may find that speech therapy helps. Remind friends, family members and caregivers that if you don't
speak, it doesn't necessarily mean that you don't understand what's going on. Ask people to continue
talking to you and keep your environment as normal as possible.
Physical and occupational therapy
Physical therapy can help keep muscles stronger and more flexible, which helps maintain balance and
may lessen the risk of falling. Occupational therapy can help make your home safer and give you
strategies for coping with memory and concentration problems. Later in the disease, occupational
therapy can assist you with eating, dressing and hygiene challenges.
Experimental treatments and new research
Scientists are working to try to come up with new treatments to slow the course of Huntington's
disease. One area of research is the combination of certain cancer and AIDS drugs. This combination has
halted the progress of Huntington's in fruit flies.
The use of stem cells is another avenue for research. Transplanted in the brain, stem cells might help
reduce some of the damage that's been done to the neurons in the brain. Animal studies have shown
promising results, but much more research must occur.
In October 2008, researchers began recruiting for a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of a
new drug currently known as ACR16. This medication stabilizes levels of dopamine, which may improve
motor, cognitive and psychiatric functioning.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Having Huntington's disease presents a number of challenges that require daily or regular attention. The
following steps may improve how you feel:
7. ■Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is beneficial. It helps both your physical and emotional health.
Wearing well-fitting, sturdy shoes during exercise may help improve your stability.
■Maintain proper nutrition. You may burn as many as 5,000 calories a day, so be sure to get adequate
nutrition to maintain your body weight, and consider extra vitamins and supplements. Because
Huntington's disease can impair coordination, you may need assistance when eating. Give yourself as
much time as you need for meals. Cutting food into small pieces or eating pureed food may make
swallowing easier and prevent choking. Dairy products may make you secrete excess mucus, which may
increase your risk of choking. Occupational therapists may make other suggestions on how to improve
your swallowing. Using cups with lids and suction cups and tableware designed for people with
disabilities may help prevent spills.
■Drink plenty of fluids. Huntington's disease can make you vulnerable to dehydration. Drink large
amounts of liquids, especially during hot weather. Some people find that bendable straws make drinking
easier.
Prevention
If you have a family history of Huntington's disease, you may want to consider genetic counseling before
starting a family. A blood test can determine the presence of the faulty gene, even before you show
signs or symptoms. If one parent carries the defective gene, his or her child has a 50 percent chance of
developing Huntington's disease.
If you're at risk of passing the genetic defect that causes Huntington's disease to your children, you may
wish to consider adoption or certain forms of assisted reproduction. One possibility is in vitro
fertilization with pre-implantation screening. In this procedure, embryos are screened for the
Huntington's disease gene mutation, and those that don't have the mutation are then implanted in the
woman's uterus.