Most genetic testing centers require a period of counseling before and after the test to help patients deal with the results. Support groups may also help families cope with this disease. There is no effective treatment for Huntington's disease, although research is ongoing. Prescription drugs can help control some of the symptoms, especially the involuntary movements and psychiatric conditions such as depression. In the early period of Huntington's disease, most patients can still enjoy most of their normal activities, including work and driving a car.
Involuntary movements are infrequent, speech is unaffected and dementia, if present, is mild.
Later, patients need more assistance with daily living. Falls, weight loss and problems with swallowing are common,and dementia is more obvious to casual observers. In the late stage of the disease, patients need almost total care. They may be unable to walk or speak, and rigidity may become more common than involuntary movements. Usually, patients die from the same natural causes affecting other severely debilitated patients, including pneumonia or heart failure.