Meyahealth
HomeGeneticsConditionHuntington's disease
Back to Condition
Huntington's disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, emotional instability, and a decline in cognitive abilities.

Overview

Huntington's disease is a progressive disorder that affects nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. The most common form, adult-onset, typically appears in a person's thirties or forties. A less common juvenile form begins in childhood or adolescence and tends to progress more rapidly.

Symptoms

  • Movement issues: Involuntary jerking or twitching (chorea), poor coordination, trouble walking, speaking, and swallowing.
  • Cognitive decline: Difficulty learning new information, making decisions, and a general decline in thinking and reasoning.
  • Emotional/Personality changes: Irritability and depression.
  • Juvenile-specific symptoms: Slow movements, clumsiness, frequent falling, rigidity, slurred speech, drooling, and seizures.

Causes

The disorder is caused by variants in the HTT gene. The condition involves a trinucleotide repeat, specifically a DNA segment known as a CAG segment. While this segment is normally repeated 10 to 35 times, individuals with Huntington's disease have 36 or more repeats. This leads to the production of an abnormally long huntingtin protein that breaks into toxic fragments, causing neuron dysfunction and death.

Inheritance

Huntington's disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. As the gene is passed from one generation to the next, the size of the CAG repeat often increases—a phenomenon called anticipation—which is typically associated with an earlier onset of symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

While no lifestyle change stops the genetic defect, regular aerobic exercise, a balanced diet rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, adequate sleep, and stress‑reduction techniques (e.g., mindfulness, counseling) have been shown to improve motor function, mood, and overall quality of life, potentially slowing functional decline.
Predictive testing involves a blood sample analyzed for the CAG repeat length in the HTT gene. Counseling is required beforehand to discuss psychological impact, insurance and employment protections, and the decision’s effect on family planning; results are confidential and can guide early monitoring and participation in clinical trials.
If you notice frequent coughing while eating, choking, drooling, or a sudden inability to swallow liquids or solids, seek emergency care immediately, as aspiration can lead to pneumonia, which is a leading cause of hospitalization in Huntington’s patients.
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or new‑onset depression that appear in a person in their 30s‑40s—especially when accompanied by subtle changes in coordination or memory—warrant a discussion about Huntington’s testing, because psychiatric changes often precede motor signs.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

Meyahealth

Ⓒ 2026. All rights reserved by MEYA

About UsTerms & PolicyFAQ