Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder caused by inheriting a defective gene, which results in the gradual destruction of neurons over time. The defective gene can be passed down from parent to child, with the child having a 50% chance of inheriting it if a parent has the gene. Symptoms appear between ages 30-50 and include fidgeting, twitching, clumsiness, memory loss, depression, and problems with movement and coordination. Huntington's affects both the mind and body as the disease progresses. While there is no cure, medications can help control movement and emotional symptoms.

1. A S H L E Y M U L L E N
Huntington’s Disease

2. What Causes It?
 Inheriting a defective gene
 Results in gradual destruction of neurons

3. How Is It Transmitted?
 Defective gene can be passed from one generation to
the next
 If a parent has the gene, child has a 50/50 chance of
inheriting it

4. Signs and Symptoms
 Appear between age 30-50
 Fidgeting
 Minor twitching in fingers and toes
 Excessive restlessness
 Some clumsiness
 Short-term memory loss
 Less ability to organize routine
 Periods of depression
 As HD progresses, all physical symptoms can make
basic tasks more difficult

5. How HD Affects Body
 Mind and body
 Rapid, jerking movements the person has no control
of
 Prone to falls
 Eye movement
 Trouble looking
 Affect the brain
 Forgetfulness
 Difficulty to concentrate
 Sensory symptoms: numbness or pain

6. How It Is Detected?
 Genetic testing
 Neurological testing
 Blood testing

7. Treatment
 Drs. prescribe medications to control emotional and
movement problems
 Tetrabenazine is the first drug in the U.S. approved
to treat Huntington’s.
 Helps control involuntary movements

8. Works Cited
 Appai-Kubi, Linda. "Huntington's disease."
netdoctor.co.uk. NetDoctor.co.uk, 2010. Web. 18 October 2010.
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/huntingtons.htm>.
 "Blood Tests." wrongdiagnosis.com. Health Grades Inc., 2010. Web. 18
October 2010. <http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/test/blood_tests.htm>.
 "NINDS Huntington's Disease Information." www.ninds.nih.gov. National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2010. Web. 18 October
2010. <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/huntington.htm>
.
 "What is Huntington's Disease?" ahdansw.asn.au. Australian Huntington's
Disease Association, 2009. Web. 18 October 2010.
<http://www.ahdansw.asn.au/information/huntingtons.html>.