Huntington's disease history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

History and Symptoms

Although there is no sudden loss of abilities or exhibition of symptoms, there is a progressive decline.

Physicals

• Jerky, random, uncontrollable movements called chorea athough some exhibit very slow movement and stiffness
• Loss of determination
• Speaking is impaired with slurred words and uncontrollable movements of the mouth
• Eating and mobility are extremely difficult if not impossible, and full-time care is required.

Cognitive : Abilities affected are;

• Executive function
• Planning; cognitive flexibility
• Rule acquisition
• Initiating appropriate actions
• Inhibiting inappropriate actions
• Slurring of the words and some uncontrollable movement of the lips
• Perceptual and spatial skills of self and surrounding environment
• Ability to learn new skills, depending on the affected parts of the brain.

Psychopathological : Psychopathological symptoms vary more than cognitive and physical symptoms, and may include

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Compulsivity which can cause addictions such as alcoholism and gambling, or hypersexuality.
• Unable to recognize expressions of disgust in others and also don't show reactions of disgust to foul odors or tastes. The inability to recognize disgust in others appears in carriers of the Huntington gene before symptoms are manifest. A number of related studies have been published.