$Unique_ID{BRK01147}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Information About Huntington Disease}
$Subject{Huntington's chorea inherited genes}
$Volume{F-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Information About Huntington Disease


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  A good member of our church was stricken with a disease called
Huntington Disease.  I was present when he had a frightening episode that was
most distressing.  Some of our members are afraid that this could be catching,
and so we would very much appreciate any information you can provide to us.
Please choose this question as it is important for many people.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Huntington's Disease was first described by Dr. George Huntington and
his father, who was also a physician, in 1872.  He wrote his paper after
observing families living near his home in Long Island, New York.  The disease
itself is characterized by involuntary and jerking movements of the arms, legs
and face.  These irregular movements lead to difficulty in walking, trouble
with speech and lack of coordination of arm movements.  The saddest part of
the condition is the associated decline in mental function which parallels the
worsening of body movements.  As the disease progresses, thought processes
become confused and a type of senility occurs.  All of the changes associated
with Huntington's Disease are related to a degeneration or destruction of
vital nerve centers in the brain.  This disorder is hereditary (not
infectious, so you can't catch it) of a type described in medical terms as
"autosomal dominant".  In these cases only one gene needs to be passed from
either the mother or the father in order for the child to inherit the disease.
Each offspring, therefore has a 50 percent chance of getting the disease.
Even more unfortunate then the disease itself is our present inability to
correct the condition.  There are a few drugs which can lessen the jerking
movements but they have significant side effects which limit their use.  In
the future, hopefully, we will be able to make some progress in treating these
devastating neurological diseases.  To end on a positive note, we know that
the later the disease appears in life, the greater the probability that it
will be milder.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
