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Effects of Huntington's Disease

Effects of Huntington's Disease

The symptoms of Huntington's disease generally start between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. People usually have symptoms for up to 10 years before they are diagnosed with Huntington's disease because the symptoms are mild and easily overlooked.

The early symptoms of Huntington's disease include:

  • mild, uncontrollable muscular movements
  • stumbling
  • clumsiness
  • reduced concentration
  • reduced short-term memory
  • depression
  • mood changes ( may include uncharacteristic aggressive or antisocial behaviour)

The time when symptoms are present but no diagnosis has been made can be a frightening time for individuals with Huntington's disease as they do not understand what is happening and why. Relationships are often strained by unexpected angry outbursts associated with mood changes.

As the disease progresses symptoms include:

  • difficulty walking
  • reduced ability to sit or stand stably
  • involuntary movements
  • speech and swallowing difficulties
  • weight loss

Emotional changes can also present as:

  • mood swings
  • depression
  • stubbornness
  • frustration

Mood changes can result in a loss of motivation, initiative, concentration and organisational skills can result in a loss of drive. Individuals with Huntington's disease can, therefore, appear very lazy. This can also put strain on relationships with family, carers and friends.

In the later stages of Huntington's disease, individuals may require full nursing care. Mortality is often due to falls or infection is not generally caused directly by the disease itself.

Huntington's Disease

To book an assessment or for more information please email office@manchesterneurophysio.co.uk call 0161 883 0066 .