Understanding Huntingtons Disease: Historical, Physical, Psychiatric and Family Implications
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a rare (incidence 1:10,000), fatal, inherited neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric disorder for which there is no known treatment or cure. It is characterized by abnormalities in movement, cognition, and psychiatric disturbances. In the absence of a cure, competent symptomatic treatment and psychosocial support is vital. HD is a family disease, both because of the autosomal dominant inheritance, but also because of the impact of the disease on the family system. Understanding of HD by professionals will aid in providing the best treatment available to optimize care and support for these families.
20 min