Huntington’s disease (HD)

If you have a family history of HD, your doctor may recommend genetic testing even if you don’t have any symptoms. People who might have the condition sometimes choose to have genetic testing before they decide to have children. Other people with HD have genetic testing to confirm a diagnosis once they start to experience symptoms. Genetics counselors will help you understand your risk and whether testing is right for you.

Blood tests can help rule out other conditions that might be causing symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend imaging of the brain to look for physical signs of Huntington's disease:

• Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and computer processing to produce detailed images.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields, radio waves, and computer processing to create detailed pictures of the brain.

HD can change areas of the brain that affect learning, memory, reasoning, mood, and language. Neuropsychological testing assesses how much HD has affected your mental and emotional status. Results from this testing can help guide future treatments.

There are no medications currently available to cure or slow down progression of HD. Several medications can help control disease symptoms, such as chorea or psychiatric disorders that may develop in the later stages of the disease.

• Antichorea medications suppress the involuntary jerking motions that occur with HD.
• Antidepressants help decrease depression.
• Antipsychotic medications reduce irritability, agitation, and hallucinations.
• Mood stabilizers help to stabilize the high and low moods associated with bipolar disorder.

HD is a progressive disorder that increasingly interferes with movement and daily activities. As the condition progresses, individuals require more supervision and care. Palliative care provides symptom management, pain relief, and support for people with HD and their families.

Rehabilitative therapies may help people with HD manage physical and emotional symptoms.

• Physical therapy provides specific exercises to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and muscle coordination. These exercises can help maintain independent mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Physical therapists can also teach you how to use assistive devices, such as a walker or wheelchair, for mobility.
• Occupational therapy can train people with HD and their family members how to use assistive devices to maintain independence with daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
• Speech therapy provides exercises to improve speaking and swallowing. Speech therapists can also teach people with HD to use devices to aid communication.
• Psychotherapy helps people with HD manage emotional and behavioral aspects of the condition. It can help individuals with HD and their families develop coping skills and provide necessary support.