Podcast
Questions and Answers
What primarily causes Huntington's disease?
What primarily causes Huntington's disease?
What is one of the common symptoms of Huntington's disease?
What is one of the common symptoms of Huntington's disease?
At what age does Huntington's disease typically begin to manifest symptoms?
At what age does Huntington's disease typically begin to manifest symptoms?
What kind of treatments are available for Huntington's disease?
What kind of treatments are available for Huntington's disease?
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How long do individuals with Huntington's disease typically live after symptom onset?
How long do individuals with Huntington's disease typically live after symptom onset?
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Huntington's disease is caused by a faulty gene.
Huntington's disease is caused by a faulty gene.
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Treatment exists to completely cure Huntington's disease.
Treatment exists to completely cure Huntington's disease.
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Symptoms of Huntington's disease usually appear in childhood.
Symptoms of Huntington's disease usually appear in childhood.
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Huntington's disease affects both males and females equally.
Huntington's disease affects both males and females equally.
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Approximately 1 in every 700 people in Canada has Huntington's disease.
Approximately 1 in every 700 people in Canada has Huntington's disease.
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Study Notes
Huntington's Disease Overview
- Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited condition affecting brain cells.
- The condition causes physical and emotional changes that worsen over time.
- HD is primarily caused by a faulty gene that results in gradual brain damage.
HD Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Stumbling and clumsiness
- Involuntary movements
- Problems swallowing
- Difficulty moving
- Trouble speaking and breathing
HD Prognosis
- Individuals with HD typically die within 15-20 years of symptom onset.
HD Treatments
- There is no cure for HD.
- Some symptoms can be treated, including chorea (associated with HD), hallucinations, delusions, and violent outbursts.
- Medications like tetrabenazine and deuterobenzene may help manage chorea.
- Antipsychotic drugs can help with other symptoms.
HD Support
- The HSC Family Services Program in Canada provides support for individuals with HD.
HD Disabilities
- As brain neurons decrease, HD can cause emotional problems, intellectual decline, and uncontrolled movements.
HD Facts
- HD primarily affects the brain.
- HD typically begins between the ages of 30-45.
- HD is a rare condition; Approximately 1 in every 7000 Canadians have HD.
- The oldest person with HD lived to 91 years old.
More HD Facts
- HD affects males and females equally.
- HD is almost always genetic (approximately 97% of cases). However, only 3% of cases have no known genetic cause.
- Symptoms typically emerge during middle age.
- There is no cure for HD.
Sources
- Several medical and health organizations provide details on HD, including NHS, Huntington's Disease Association, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Description
This quiz covers key information about Huntington's disease, including its symptoms, prognosis, treatment options, and supportive resources. Learn how this inherited condition affects brain function and the various ways symptoms can be managed. Test your knowledge on HD and its impact on individuals and families.
