Huntington's disease
Huntington's disease is an inherited condition in which nerve cells in specific areas of the brain gradually die.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Huntington's disease
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: TABLET, 0.5 mgActive substance: risperidoneManufacturer: Laboratorios Cinfa S.A.Prescription requiredDosage form: CAPSULE, 90 mgActive substance: duloxetineManufacturer: Adamed Laboratorios S.L.U.Prescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 6 mgActive substance: risperidoneManufacturer: Neuraxpharm Spain S.L.Prescription required
Huntington's disease is an inherited condition in which nerve cells in specific areas of the brain gradually die. It affects three domains at once: movement, thinking and mental state. It progresses slowly, over 15–20 years, and there is as yet no treatment able to halt it. But many of its manifestations can be eased, and the quality of support makes an enormous difference to how the person and their family live through those years.
Symptoms
It usually starts between 30 and 50, gradually and inconspicuously. Often the first things to change are not movements but mood and behaviour — which is why the diagnosis is frequently made late.
Movement
- involuntary movements — at first resembling fidgetiness, small finger twitches, grimacing; later becoming broad and continuous;
- clumsiness, frequent falls, loss of balance;
- slowness and stiffness of movement;
- speech becomes indistinct and slow;
- difficulty swallowing — an important problem, because of the risk of choking and pneumonia;
- weight loss even with a good appetite.
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Thinking
- difficulty planning and organising tasks;
- difficulty switching focus, getting stuck on one thought or action;
- slowed thinking;
- reduced awareness of one's own condition;
- memory decline, usually later than the rest.
Mental state
- depression — very common and often the earliest sign;
- irritability and outbursts of anger;
- apathy and loss of initiative — often harder for families than the movement problems;
- anxiety and obsessions;
- less commonly, psychotic symptoms;
- an increased risk of self-harm, particularly in the early stages when the person is aware of the diagnosis.
Inheritance
It is passed on in a dominant pattern: if one parent has it, the probability for each child is 50%, regardless of sex. The cause is an expansion of a repeated section in the HTT gene. The more repeats, the earlier the disease usually begins. When passed on from the father, the number of repeats can increase, in which case the disease starts earlier in the child than in the parent.
When to see a doctor
- involuntary movements you cannot control have appeared;
- those close to you have noticed changes in behaviour, irritability or apathy;
- coordination and balance have worsened and falls have begun;
- swallowing has become difficult or you choke frequently;
- there are cases of this condition in your family and you want to discuss testing;
- your mood has dropped or you have thoughts of harming yourself — seek help immediately;
- you are losing weight without reason.
About genetic testing
This is a separate and far from simple topic, and it should not be approached in a hurry. There are two kinds of test:
- diagnostic — when symptoms are already present; it confirms the diagnosis;
- predictive — when there are no symptoms but there is a risk from family history.
Predictive testing is carried out only after genetic counselling and, as a rule, with psychological support before and after. The reason is simple: a result cannot be un-known, and there is as yet no treatment that would prevent the disease. Some people at risk consciously choose not to be tested, and that is a normal and respectable decision. Children without symptoms are not tested: the choice must remain theirs when they are adults.
For couples planning children, preimplantation genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis are available, and are worth discussing with a genetics service in advance.
How it is diagnosed
By the combination of symptoms, family history and a genetic blood test that determines the number of repeats. Brain MRI, neuropsychological assessment and evaluation of mood and swallowing are added.
Treatment
Progression cannot yet be halted, but each individual manifestation can be eased, and that noticeably improves daily life.
- medication for involuntary movements — prescribed when the movements interfere; it can worsen depression, so the choice needs care;
- antidepressants for depression and anxiety — often the single most helpful part of treatment;
- medication for irritability and anger outbursts;
- speech and language therapy — work on speech and, just as importantly, on swallowing;
- physiotherapy — balance, falls prevention and maintaining mobility; regular sessions genuinely slow the loss of function;
- occupational therapy — adapting the home with grab rails, stable crockery and removal of trip hazards;
- nutritional support — calorie needs are far higher than usual because of the continuous movement; where swallowing is affected, food texture is modified;
- psychological support for the person and the family;
- planning support in advance — legal matters, care and help at home.
What helps day to day
- a simple, predictable daily routine;
- removing trip hazards and fitting grab rails;
- eating slowly, sitting upright, in small portions;
- weighted crockery and cutlery and non-slip mats;
- allowing time to respond and not rushing;
- understanding that apathy is a symptom of the disease, not laziness or indifference — this knowledge removes a great deal of family conflict;
- finding a support group, for the person and for those caring;
- protecting the carer's rest: burnout is a real risk.
Common questions
Can it be cured? Not yet. Research is very active, including genetic approaches, and some of it has already reached clinical trials.
If my father has it, will I definitely get it? The probability is 50%. Testing gives a definite answer, but the decision to take it is yours alone.
Can the onset be delayed? There are no reliable ways. Physical activity, treating depression and adequate nutrition improve the course and quality of life.
Is there a childhood form? Yes, rarely — it starts before 20 and looks different, with more stiffness and seizures and fewer involuntary movements.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor goes through the symptoms and family history, explains how genetic testing works and why the predictive test is done with counselling, helps assess mood and the risks of falls and choking, and advises which specialists to involve first.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
Medically reviewed by
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2026
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