1. V i v i a n T r u o n g M a r c h 6 , 2 0 1 3 3 r d P e r i o d
H u n t i n g t o n ' s D i s e a s e
V i v i a n T r u o n g
M a r c h 6 ,
3 r d P e r i o d

2. Different Names of Huntington's Disease
Common and Scientific Name: Huntington's Disease
Huntington's Disease use to be known as Huntington's Chorea because chorea in greek meant involuntary jerking movements.

3. Cause of Huntington's Disease
Huntington's Disease is hereditary and so the only way to get it to receive the trait from your parents.

4. T a r g e t A u d i e n c e
Caucasians have a higher chance of getting the disease than any other race. It affects older people more than younger ones. The more common case of HD is adult-onset.

5. CNS/PNS
Huntington's Disease affects the brain cells that are found deep in the area where movement, emotion, and cognitive abilities are controlled.
The defective gene on chromosome 4 causes the CAG(part of the DNA) to repeat itself more than the usual amount. Average person's DNA repeat is times but someone with Huntington's Disease is

6. Symptoms of Huntington's Disease
Physical Symptoms
development of involuntary movement in the fingers, feet, face, or trunk
increased clumsiness
loss of coordination and balance
slurred speech
difficulty swallowing or eating
continual muscular contractions
stumbling or falling

7. Symptoms of Huntington's Disease
Mental/Emotional Symptoms:
decreased concentration
forgetfulness and memory loss
poor judgement
difficulty making decisions or answering questions
lack of energy
depression
bipolar disorder (only in some)
psychotic behaviors like delusion or hallucinations

8. Prognosis
Prognosis is poor since scientists don't know much about the disease and there isn't a cure for the disease.
People that are more active tend to have milder symptoms and the disease progresses slower than people who aren't so active.
Life expectancy is about years after the first symptoms have shown up

9. Treatment There is no cure but there are treatments for the symptoms
medications to ease depression and anxiety
medications to control the involuntary movements
physical and speech therapy
exercise
foods that nourishes the brain, supports memory and builds overall immunity

10. Famous People with HD Woody Guthrie -a singer/songwriter
-his wife Marjorie founded the Huntington's Disease Society of America
Catfish Hunter
-major league baseball pitcher

11. Organization Huntington's Disease Society of America
helps and tries to improve the lives of people and families with Huntington's Disease
Info:
National Office
505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902 New York, NY 10018
HDSA (4372)
1-888-HDSA-506 (NEW HDSA HELPLINE NUMBER)

12. bibliography
Rose, A. (Ed.). (n.d.). Huntington's Disease. Retrieved November, 2012, from Help Guide website:
Genetic Science Learning Center (2012, August 6) Huntington's Disease. Learn.Genetics. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from