Huntington 's Disease Is A Rare Progressive Genetic Disorder

Huntington’s Disease is a brain disorder affecting movement, cognition, and emotions (Schoenstadt). It is a genetic disorder generally affecting people in their middle 30s and 40s (Sheth). Worldwide, Huntington’s disease (affects between 3-7 per 100,000 people of European ancestry (Schoenstadt). In the United States alone, 1 in every 30,000 people has Huntington’s disease (Genetic Learning Center). Huntington’s Disease is a multi-faceted disease, with a complex inheritance pattern and a wide range of symptoms. There is also much research being done in the field of Huntington’s disease, because as of 2012, this disease is untreatable. THESIS.

The genetic disorder is caused by a mutation in the DNA segment CAG found in chromosome 4 which results nerve cell death. Phenotypic characteristics include gradual motor dysfunction, psychological issues that correlate to degeneration of metal health, and cognitive degeneration. Studies on transgenic mice have allowed a better understanding of the proteins that relate to Huntington’s

Huntington's Disease is a genetic autosomal disorder which effects the brain. It affects about 1 in 20,000 individuals. The symptoms of the disease do not start to occur until after or around 40 years of age. With the onset of the disease the patient starts to gradually deteriorate intellectually, this deterioration also causes involuntary movements. Scientists have only recently found the section of the gene which causes Huntington's disease, and this is allowed them to devise pre-symptomatic tests. However, a cure for the disease is yet to be found.

Huntington’s disease destroys the organs that carry the functions of the central nervous system. Kalat (2013) states, “Huntington disease (also known as Huntington disease or Huntington’s Chorea) is a severe neurological disorder that strikes about 1 person in 10,000 in the United States” (A.B. Young, 1995, p. 258).Individual’s develop the symptoms in their middle age, but even if it is a rare disorders juveniles as well as children before the age of ten can develop the disease. Huntington’s disease is hereditary disease that is passed on from a parent. Huntington’s disease is of the lack of the chromosome 4, if one of the parents carries the gene, they can pass that gene to their

Huntington's Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder (Walker, 2007 and Harmon, 2007). The gene that causes the disease is located on the fourth chromosome and causes an abnormal number of repeats in the patient's genetic code (Harmon, 2007). Huntington's Disease can have devastating effects on patients' quality of life. The first symptoms of HD generally start between the ages of 30 and 45 and patients are typically asymptomatic prior to this time (Terrenoire, 1992 and Walker, 2007). However, the disease progresses with subtle changes in motor control, personality, and cognition. Patients eventually develop distinct

The three most profound behavioral problems in Huntington 's disease come from the uncontrollable movements called "chorea," dementia, and the altered perception of the

4. “Huntington Disease - Genetics Home Reference.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/huntington-disease.

At this stage, the individual is completely dependent for their care. A major concern during this time is choking. Also, involuntary movements can either be very severe or have stopped completely ("What Is Huntington's Disease," 2017). Although no longer able to speak, the individual is usually still able to understand language and even be able to recognize family and friends. Those with HD often die due to complications from the disease not actually the disease itself, such as choking and infection ("What Is Huntington's Disease," 2017).

Everyone can relate to the pain of having to watch a grandparent or great-grandparent slowly loose their faculties as they advance into older age. Now, imagine if this seemingly slow digression hit hard and fast at only age thirty. The age where one is finally living alone and independent, with the beginnings of a successful career and the hopes of starting a family and settling down. Huntington’s Disease quickly takes all these dreams and ambitions away, along with control of ones body and mind. The symptoms of Huntington’s, such as involuntary muscle jerks or twitches, had been seen throughout history for many years before being first recognized as an inherited disease in 1872 by Dr. George Huntington (“Hope Through Research). “The hereditary

Huntington's disease is an inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington's disease has a broad impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) and psychiatric disorders.

Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant disorder, which is found on the # 4 chromosome. George Huntington discovered it in 1872. It mainly has an effect on the nervous system. There are around 210,000 bases between D4S180 and D4S127. The disease itself is found in 2% of people in their childhood, and in 5% of the people they were older then 60. (Miller p 16) In the majority of the affected people the disease is detected between the ages of 35-45. In males the disease begins around the time of their childhood. However, in females it begins later in life. This severe symptom has a tendency for the condition to worsen as it is passed on from generation to generation. Huntington’s disease is paternally

Uncertainty, the cause of stress and worry for people of all ages, is incontrovertibly a dreadful and uncomfortable feeling. Fear of the unknown affects everyone, whether it results from something as inconsequential as a quiz grade or the possibility that an fatal disease exists within your DNA. However, the anxiety caused by uncertainty is infinitesimal compared to the excruciating pain that the certainty of a humiliating and agonizing death can bring, especially to those who have not yet had a chance to live. Huntington’s is a disease that leads inevitably to this death, and there are many people in the world who believe that they may have it. A genetic test is available to confirm the existence of the disease within an individual’s genome,

Huntington’s Disease is a late-onset fatal genetic disorder that results in the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the brain. Typical symptoms include involuntary movements, loss of muscle control, depression,

Huntington’s Disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the arrival of symptoms late in life, usually in the 30s or 40s. It is an autosomal dominant disorder, which includes nerve cells breaking down in the brain. There are both movement and cognitive symptoms related to this disease. Some movement symptoms are unintentional jolting, delayed eye movements, and a compromised manner of walking. Some cognitive symptoms are trouble organizing responsibilities, a deficiency of cognizance of one’s own actions and capabilities, and a difficulty in understanding fresh material. There are also psychiatric disorders associated with Huntington’s disease: depression, obsessive compulsion disorder, and mania. Huntington’s disease results from a mutation

The next disease being discussed, Huntington’s Disease, is a hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder that can affect the psyche, emotions, and behavior. However, it is most commonly known for the loss of cognitive functioning as well as motor disturbances (Leffler, 2011). Usually the initial signs of Huntington’s Disease starts with jerky movements that can affect various parts of the body (face, arms, legs, etc.) as well as the gradual beginnings of dementia; the memory is usually impaired. There also may be disorientation, or disillusioned ideas of time, place or identity, as well as personality changes and possible increased agitation. Common neurobehavioral changes include: a tendency to blame others for one’s faults, suspiciousness, impulsiveness, constant complaining, lack of self-control, and lack of