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What Is This Disorder?Huntington's Disease, named after the physician George Huntington who discovered it in the late 1800's, is a progressive brain disorder that is caused by a single defected chromosome. This is a "dominant" defect, meaning that anyone who inherits the defective gene from their parents will get it eventually. The defective gene forms a protein called Huntingtin, also named after Huntington.
Death Rate:I did not find anything on the death rate for people with Huntington's disease, however, there is no cure currently.
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SymptomsPatients with this disorder can have uncontrolled movement of arms, legs, face and upper body. They can also lose thinking, reasoning, or memory skills. Patients usually develop it between ages 30-50, but can be as young as 2 and as old as 80. Patients commonly have obsessive-compulsive behavior and alterations in mood.
TreatmentThere is currently no cure for Huntington's disease, and no way to stop the brain from changing. Treatment focuses on helping and managing the symptoms.
The website I found suggested contacting: Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) The Alzheimer's Association National Human Genome Research Institute |
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All Information found at: http://www.alz.org/dementia/huntingtons-disease-symptoms.asp