Who is huntingtons disease most common in

More than 15, Americans currently have the disease, but many more are at risk of developing it. Drugs like haloperidol, tetrabenazine, and amantadine are especially helpful for controlling the unusual movements caused by Huntington disease.

Haloperidol and tetrabenazine can also help offset hallucinations and delusional thoughts. Depression and suicide are common among those with Huntington disease.

Antidepressants and antianxiety medications may be prescribed to treat these symptoms. As Huntington disease progresses, you will need constant assistance and supervision because of the debilitating nature of the disease. People usually die from the disease within 15 to 20 years of developing symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with, or are at risk for Huntington disease, it is critical to maintain your physical fitness as best you can. A number of studies are currently under way to examine possible therapies for Huntington disease.

Talk with your health care provider about whether any of these therapies may be helpful to you or a loved one with the disorder.

If you have Huntington disease, it is important to closely monitor you condition, and contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases.

Huntington disease has 2 subtypes: Adult-onset Huntington disease. This is the most common form of Huntington disease. People typically develop the symptoms in their mids and 40s. Early-onset Huntington disease. In rare instances, children or adolescents will develop the disease. It gets gradually worse over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years. Symptoms The symptoms usually start at 30 to 50 years of age, but can begin much earlier or later.

Symptoms of Huntington's disease can include: difficulty concentrating and memory lapses depression stumbling and clumsiness involuntary jerking or fidgety movements of the limbs and body mood swings and personality changes problems swallowing , speaking and breathing difficulty moving Full-time nursing care is needed in the later stages of the condition. How it's inherited Huntington's disease is caused by a faulty gene that results in parts of the brain becoming gradually damaged over time.

When to get medical advice Speak to your GP for advice if: you're worried you might have symptoms of Huntington's disease — especially if someone in your family has or had it you have a history of the condition in your family and you want to find out if you will get it, too you have a history of the condition in your family and you're planning a pregnancy Your GP may refer you to a specialist for tests to check for Huntington's disease.

Treatment and support There's currently no cure for Huntington's disease or any way to stop it getting worse. But treatment and support can help reduce some of the problems it causes, such as: medicines for depression, mood swings and involuntary movements occupational therapy to help make everyday tasks easier speech and language therapy for feeding and communication problems physiotherapy to help with movement and balance Read more about treatment and support for Huntington's disease.

Further information and advice Living with Huntington's disease can be very distressing and frustrating for the person with the condition, as well as their loved ones and carers. References References. Fredy J Revilla. Huntington Disease. Huntington disease.

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