Huntington's is an inherited neurologic disorder affecting about a quarter-million Americans who've already been diagnosed or have a genetic predisposition to the disease. The jerky, involuntary dance-like movements and progressive dementia associated with the disease are caused by the loss of cells in the basal ganglia and other regions of the brain. Those carrying the gene for Huntington's disease eventually will develop it, and their children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene. Early symptoms may include depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, lack of coordination, personality changes and slurred speech. Within 10 to 25 years, patients lose mental capacity and physical control.
Death results from complications such as infection, pneumonia or heart failure.
There is no cure. HDSA's backing will allow the Emory center to provide patients greater access to allied health services such as physical therapy and social work. Creation of the HDSA Center of Excellence lets us purchase many of these essential services for patients and ease some of the enormous financial burden felt by even the most well-insured patients and their families. Also being bolstered by the partnership are ongoing programs such as those providing social work consultations for patients and family members, counseling during genetic testing and psychiatric evaluations for persons in the later stages of disease. Research efforts are being stepped up as well.