The symptoms of the disease generally do not develop until a person is past 30. Early symptoms of the disease are often related to mood or emotional state, with afflicted individuals experiencing depression, irritability, apathy, or anger. Mental ability begins to decline early in the course of the disease and eventually leads to loss of cognitive and intellectual function. Uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet, face, and trunk appear early on but eventually decline and akinesia, or loss of movement, develops. The course of the disease, from observable onset to death, is about 15 years.
Treatment is directed at the symptoms and there is no cure.
In 1993, scientists discovered the gene that causes Huntington s disease. This discovery has led to the development of a very accurate presymptomatic test for Huntington s disease. The presymptomatic test determines if an individual has the gene for Huntington s disease before the person develops any of the symptoms of the disease. Jordan contacted the Huntington Disease Society of America, obtained the location of a testing center, and is currently taking part in a testing program. As part of the testing program, he underwent a complete neurological examination and no symptoms of Huntington s disease were apparent.