Huntington's Disease

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a genetic disease. It is caused by a mutation on the HTT gene. The HTT gene produces a protein known as Huntington's protein. The HTT gene is found on chromosome 4. The starting signs of HD are depression, mood swings, small involuntary movements (these movements are known as chorea), bad coordination, bad decision making, inability to learn as well as irritability. As HD progresses the disease worsens. Leading to more pronounced chorea, trouble with voluntary movements. These problems with voluntary movements include swallowing, talking and movement. Also, people with HD record a loss in cognition. Juvenile HD displays similar symptoms to HD but additionally include slow and clumsy movements, frequent falling, drooling and slurred speech.  A decline in school performance as well as seizures are also found. In 2015 new gene silencing techniques were used to try to silence the mutated HTT gene. The method is now in state 2 trials. HD affects the basal ganglia as well as the cortex. The basal ganglia controls voluntary movement and the cortex controls cognition as well as memory.

Above picture from the Indiana Polyclinic