huntingtons disease

Do you have any information on Huntingtons disease?

[Lisa Kessler, MS, CGC]

Huntington disease (HD) is a progressive inherited disorder that causes uncontrolled movement, emotional problems, and loss of cognitive abilities.  The average age when symptoms of HD begin is 35 to 44 years.  The diagnosis of HD is made based on clinical features of the condition, positive family history, and results from genetic testing.

This condition runs in families in an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.  If someone has the condition, there is a 50% chance of passing it on with each child s/he has.  The gene associated with Huntington Disease is called HD, and clinical genetic testing is available.  Predictive testing for people with a positive family history of HD is available, and requires much thought and pre- and post-test genetic counseling.  If you are interested in learning more about genetic counseling and testing for Huntington Disease, it may help you to meet with a genetic counselor.  You can find a local counselor through the NSGC website.

[memL]

A related discussion, HD was started.