Huntington's Disease Huntington's disease is a fatal degenerative brain disorder that slowly destroys both mind and body. Early symptoms may include depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, and lack of coordination. As brain cells become depleted in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia, the severity of symptoms increases. Personality changes may appear, along with decreased mental capability, slurred speech, memory loss. In the final stages the patient is totally dpependent on others for all aspects of care.
Death results from complications such as infection, pneumonia, or heart failure.