Parkinson's Disease Dystonia Restless Leg Syndrome Essential Tremor Tourette's Syndrome Chorea and Huntington's Disease Huntington's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain which is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Symptoms usually start in the 3rd or 4th decade of life but can begin in childhood or as late as retirement age. The main symptoms are involuntary movements, dementia and psychiatric disturbance.
All symptoms worsen over time and ultimately the disease is fatal.
Although there is no cure there are useful treatments for many of the symptoms. As a result of the recent discovery of the abnormal Huntington's disease gene, a blood test is now available for making a definitive diagnosis in individuals suspected of having this disease. At risk family members who do not have the symptoms can also be tested. However, because of the profound impact of such a test result it is recommended that this testing be done in the setting of an integrated gene testing program . At such a program, at risk individuals will receive genetic counseling, and neurological and psychiatric evaluation to help ensure the safety of the patient throughout the testing process.