One person needed a feeding tube because the fear of choking had caused severe weight loss. After liquid feeding and gaining some weight back, this person regained enough coordination to begin taking some nutrition by mouth. Another person, had lost 50 pounds, and when given a 5000 calorie diet gained the weight back. This person now walks unassisted. People with HD need more calories than others - up to 5,000 calories or so a day and often have a voracious appetite in spite of difficulty in eating.
Additional weight can lessen involuntary movements and cushion body parts from injury.
One positive result result of increased nutritional intake that we have seen at the MCH has been a decrease in chorea movements and an increase in functional ability. Include cereal with breakfast adding fruit, sugar, and cream. Butter toast while it is hot - more butter can be used. Add jelly, jam or preserves. Serve eggs with bacon, ham or sausage.