Huntington’s disease (HD) is aneurological disordercaused by a genetic mutation passed down through families.
The disease destroys cells in different parts of the brain, causing symptoms that get worse over time.
However, recent studies have hinted at more frequentand more severeHD in people who are female.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Instead, neurological damage can happen slowly and without symptoms for decades during the preclinical stage of the disease.
Noticeable symptoms of HD usually show up between the ages of 30 and 50.
The early symptoms can include subtle behavior and cognitive changes.
Over time, difficulties with movement will become more noticeable.
You might not make the connection until later when the physical symptoms of the disease appear.
Juvenile HD
There is also ajuvenile form of HDthat starts before the age of 20.
Instead, HD staging focuses on how the disease’s symptoms impact a person’s life and functional ability.
As cells are gradually destroyed, the symptoms slowly begin to appear in your 30s to 50s.
This stagecalled stage Iis when physical symptoms first start to appear.
This stage can last for up to eight years.
You are considered to be in the active disease stage of HD once the physical symptoms first appear.
This stage can last for three to 13 years from when the symptoms start.
While individual symptoms are similar to those in stage I, they will increase in severity during stage II.
Treatment
People in all stages of HD aretreated with medicationsto ease their symptoms.
These include:
There is no set treatment regiment for HD.
Instead, each person is treated for the symptoms that cause them the most trouble.
It’s important in the early stages of the disease, however, to make plans for the future.
The late intermediate stage of HD can last from five to 16 years from the start of symptoms.
Treating HD does not change much as the disease progresses.
Sometimes known as stage IV, this is when some people with HD start to require more advanced care.
Their movement is severely limited, and it can be difficult to complete any basic motor function.
At this point, infections and falls are common complications.
Early in the disease, damage to nerve cells might not be noticeable.
By the later stages of the disease, you may become immobile and require full-time skilled nursing care.
Early diagnosis can help you and your family make preparations for your care.
Once the symptoms start to affect your daily life, you will be diagnosed with active disease.
The disease is staged based on your motor function and ability to complete everyday tasks.
Typically, HD progresses for 10 to 30 years.
Most people with HD die from complications related to the disease.
If Huntington’s disease runs in your family, you may want to have genetic testing.
If you find out that you have it, you may consider participating in clinical trials of new medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Genetic testing is the main way to diagnose HD.
For most people with HD, the disease leads to death within 30 years from the start of symptoms.
However, symptoms can vary in severity and timing over the course of the disease.
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