Huntington’s chorea is an inherited disease that leads to a systematic breakdown of the cells present in the brain of the person. This disease has a significant impact on the person’s motor functions and so results in disorders related to cognitive (thinking), movement and psychiatric.

Huntington’s chorea is a life-altering disease. Hence, joining a support system like that of a therapist, social worker, or support group can make the whole journey a little less daunting. People can live a decent life for years independently with the help of a health care team.

How does the disease start?
The onset of the disease could be when an individual is in the 30s or 40s; however, it could emerge at any point in their life. When the disease manifests before one’s 20s then it is termed as juvenile Huntington’s chorea. The earlier onset results in a different set of symptoms and leads to faster progression of the disease.

There are various kinds of medications available to manage this disease, but the treatments cannot help with the mental, behavioral and physical decline related to the condition.

Causes  of Huntington’s chorea
In 1993, medical researchers found the gene responsible for Huntington’s. Everyone carries this gene; however, in some families, a corrupt or abnormal copy gets transmitted to the child from the parent. If your parent has Huntington’s chorea then there is 50% chance that you might also get the gene and develop this disease. The following points are an overview of what is known about the causes of this disease:

• There is an equal probability for both men and women to get this disease.
• You cannot pass the abnormal gene to your offspring if you don’t have it.
• If you or someone from your family is diagnosed with Huntington’s disease then it is advisable to get genetic counseling. The counselors will help the person get ready as to what to expect from the test results.
• The disease does not skip generations

With so much data available on this disease now researchers are better equipped to pave the way for better medicine in the recent future.

Complications with Huntington’s chorea
After the onset of Huntington’s chorea people slowly lose control over their bodies. The total time starting from the time the disease emerges to death often ranges from 10 to 30 years. In the case of juvenile Huntington’s disease, it may lead to death within 10 years itself.

• Many patients suffering from the disease display suicidal tendencies as people tend to suffer from clinical depression during the tenure of this condition.
• At the end of the tenure of this disease, people require help with almost all daily functions.
• Most people are confined to beds and they slowly lose their ability to speak.

However, one thing to note is that they are aware of their family and friends and can understand whatever they speak. Common causes that lead to death include injuries related to falls, pneumonia or other types of infections and complications associated with the person’s inability to swallow food.