Huntington’s Disease is a progressive neurologic (nervous system) disorder that results from the inheritance of a genetic defect from a parent with Huntington’s disease.
The symptoms usually don’t show until their forties or 30s and not all individuals suffering from Huntington’s disease have similar symptoms.
The brain’s degeneration causes significant and continual declines in the ability to think and feel, as well as move.
Huntington’s disease (also called Huntington illness) is an neurologic ( nervous system) disease that is caused by the inheriting from an altered genetic. The loss of the brain’s cells within specific regions of the brain result in the gradual loss of cognitive (thinking) physical and emotional functions. Huntington’s disease is an extremely complex and extremely debilitating condition that has no cure.
The most frequent symptoms are jerky movements of legs and arms, called “chorea”. Chorea generally begins with slight twitching, and then increases as time passes. People with Huntington’s disease might also experience difficulties swallowing, speaking and concentration.
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Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder.
The cause of Huntington’s Disease is an genetic mutation. The affected gene is passed through the generations of parents to children but the condition doesn’t show up at birth or in the early years of childhood , unless there are rare instances which are commonly referred to as Juvenile Huntington’s disease. The signs typically are not always begin to manifest when a person is in the middle of their lives. Huntington’s disease is an aging progressing condition that can affect people in different ways.
A person suffering from Huntington’s Disease can live between 15 and 25 years after acquiring the first signs. The diagnosis is based on the background of family members with Huntington’s diseases (when it is discovered), genetic tests and evaluation of neurological, physical and emotional signs. There is no cure for Huntington’s disease.
Tests for Huntington’s disease genes
Children born to someone who is carrying the Huntington’s disease gene is likely to have a fifty percent 100 chance of inheriting this gene and eventually developing the disease. Patients at risk may have a test done to determine whether they are carriers of this gene. One must be at the age of 18 and would like to know their genetic profile before they can take the test. Deciding whether or not to undergo this test will be a decision that is entirely personal. Counselling can assist those suffering from Huntington’s disease as well as their family, carers and loved ones manage the results of the genetic test.
The signs of Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s symptoms are classified into three kinds, which are mental, physical and emotional.
Physical symptoms can include:
- A slight twitching movement of fingers and toes
- Inadequate coordination and the tendency to throw things around
- Walking difficulties
- A jerky or dance-like movement of the legs or arms (chorea)
- Disturbances in swallowing and speech.
Cognitive symptoms can include:
- Memory loss in the short-term
- Problems in concentration on new information, and planning.
- Intentional rigidity
The symptoms of emotional distress include:
- Depression (around one-third of the people who suffer from Huntington’s disease are depressed.)
- Apathy, mood swings, and aggression.
- Personality alters
Depression
It is believed that approximately 1/3 of patients with Huntington’s disease have depression. The signs of depression such as a the lack of motivation, must be investigated by a doctor and not just believed to be a part of the process.
Suggestions for relatives or carers, such as:
- Ask your doctor about a the diagnosis. There are medications available to treat depression.
- Psychotherapy could be a solution.
- Exercise regularly and regular sun exposure can ease depression.
- Make sure to include additional activities that the person really enjoys in your daily routine.
Huntington’s disease, behavioural challenges and other issues
The behavioural challenges that are associated with Huntington’s illness are thought to be the result of an array of factors which include the destruction to the brain that occurs as the illness progresses as well as the sadness and frustration which sufferers feel when they are confronted by chronic disease.
The Huntington’s disease are affected by the same behavioral issues because the illness affects individuals in different ways. The severity of changes in behavior can vary from being mild and barely apparent to massively disruptive. It is crucial for loved ones, family members and caregivers to recognize that the person’s behaviour changes usually are a sign of illness and are not under their control.
Additionally, those suffering from Huntington’s disease could try to express their wants or desires, however due to their lack of ability to express themselves clearly or express themselves in a way that is independent the expression is expressed in a way that could be considered to be a behavioural problem.
Lack of motivation
The brain’s areas that assist us in planning organize, plan and begin actions are affected by Huntington’s Disease. People with the disease may appear lazy as they do not engage in any activity (for instance, lying in bed, or even watch television) when they are left to their individual devices.
Suggestions for relatives family members, friends and caregivers include:
- Recognize that screaming or fighting won’t inspire the person.
- The person might respond well to being around other people, so follow the example and encourage them follow.
- Involving the person improves their confidence and is crucial to lower the risk of depression.
Inability to sequence tasks
It is essential to complete tasks in a particular sequence. For instance, washing dishes requires filling up the sink with hot water and detergent, washing the dishes dry, then placing them away. People with Huntington’s Disease may be able to recall the various steps of the job but not in the proper procedure. It is possible that they add hot water to the sink, but they will not wash it away. water, and then wash the dirty plates in the garbage without washing them.
Suggestions for relatives family members, friends and caregivers include:
- Assist and supervise the individual to complete tasks in the correct order.
- Make it a habit to do only one thing at a.
Inability to block out distracting factors
Food preparation while watching TV and listening to music could be very challenging for someone suffering from Huntington’s disease since they aren’t able to focus on both activities at the same time. It is for this reason that it is recommended that meals be consumed in a peaceful setting.
Suggestions for relatives or carers, such as:
- Inspire the habit of doing only one thing at a.
- Take note that things that we do every day like walking may require focus for the person who has HD. They might not be able to maintain an ongoing conversation simultaneously.
Restricted capabilities
People with Huntington’s Disease might appear more reckless. As an example, they may not be able to properly clean their house or fail to adhere to the standards they have for personal hygiene.
Suggestions for relatives or carers, such as:
- Thank the person for striving to be the best they can be. The problem is that it’s the illness that has a negative impact on the performance of their body, and not their laziness.
- The person might not realize they’ve made mistakes. Make it a habit to make sure they are checking on their behalf.
- Set up a routine for bathing.
- Do not deny them work because it’s easier complete the tasks yourself. The ability to be a contributor is essential to a person’s feeling of worth.
Socially inappropriate behaviour
The understanding of social norms can decrease, which could result in (for instance) vulgar or rude comments to other people. People with Huntington’s disease do not feel the “inhibiting” feelings of shame, embarrassment, and anxiety that keep social behavior under control.
Suggestions for relatives or carers, such as:
- Explaining their inappropriate actions could be difficult for the person. Arguments and shouting probably won’t help.
- The person may not comprehend the insanity of their actions however they might follow the rules you establish them.
- You might want to think about restricting your social activities.
- If you can, educate others to help others gain awareness of Huntington’s disease, and that any inappropriate behavior is not in the control of the person and should not be taken as personal or cause offense.
Agression and Irritability
People with Huntington’s disease are easily annoyed or angry. This is usually caused by the inability to view things from a different perspective. People with Huntington’s disease can appear as selfish and self-centered.
Suggestions for relatives or carers, such as:
- Keep in mind that the illness prevents the patient from thinking in a fluid manner. They could be more at ease and relaxed in their familiar surroundings and in certain situations.
- Be sure that they have sufficient control over their choices. For example, someone could become stressed and angry when they’re not allowed to pick their own clothes throughout the day.
- Consider what the behavior might be saying about. For instance, the person might be vomiting out their food because they’ve had excessive food in their mouths but not because they are intentionally trying to be annoying.
- Keep in mind the rule of one thing at a moment. If you try to accomplish two tasks simultaneously can create agitation.
- Concentrate on positive behaviors and try as hard as you can to forget about all the other things.
- The love-giving relationship is ruined by Huntington’s illness, as people may lose vital emotions due to the illness.
Communication difficulties
As the disease advances, the parts of the brain which are responsible for controlling those muscles that control the throat, face and tongue are becoming more damaged. The person may be able to experience severe speech problems. It is possible that the person will not be able to start conversations, either, since the brain areas responsible for this are affected.
Suggestions for relatives or carers, such as:
- Don’t think they don’t understand the message you’re trying to convey simply because they aren’t able to form an answer. Understanding is typically unaffected by the condition.
- Do not rush them. Give them plenty of time them to be able to respond.
- If you suspect that someone struggling to express themselves, ask them if would like help instead of performing it automatically. For instance, they might not want you to finish their sentences or words without their consent.
- When you can, make your children options instead of asking open-ended questions. For example, ‘Would prefer fish or pasta to eat for dinner?’ can be much easier for a person to respond to than asking ‘What would you need to eat?
- Flash cards that have common responses like ‘yes’ or “no” can be useful.
- If the person deteriorates to the point where they lose speech, you can continue to talk to them in a normal way. In the event that you do not, you could make them feel invisible and unimportant.
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