Huntington’s Disease By: Francesca Turchetti, Aaliyah Morning, Katie Lopez, and Carlos Rodriguez

Name of Disorder Who: George Huntington, an American doctor When: Born in1872 Where: Born in East Hampton, Long Island How: First recognized the disease as an inherited disorder Other names: “Chorea”, “Dancing Disorder” How it was Chosen: Discovered and named after George Huntington Katie Lopez

Type of Genetic Disorder Huntington’s Disease is a brain disorder which causes dehydration of the nerve cells in the brain. This disease has a broad impact on a person’s fontanel abilities, and usually results in psychiatric disorders. Aaliyah Morning

Genetics Graphic This graphic compares a regular brain and a brain affected by Huntington’s disease. Carlos Rodriguez

Symptoms Mental: Poor judgment, forgetfulness, anxiety, depression, hallucination, and decreased concentration. Physical: Lack of restraint, slurred speech, muscular contractions, and increased clumsiness. Francesca Turchetti

Effects of the Disorder Some effects of the disorder are mood swings, possibility of depression, hostile outbursts, involuntary jerking, and anger. One serious effect of Huntington’s disease is seizures. Aaliyah Morning

Diagnosis of Individual In order for a doctor to determine if a patient has Huntington’s Disease, there will be a general physical exam, a review of family medical history and questions asked. The doctor will examine things such as reflexes, balance, vision and eye movement, hearing, mood, memory, and pattern of behavior. Carlos Rodriguez

Prognosis of Individual People with Huntington’s Disease generally only live 10 to 30 years after diagnosed. Some limitations include not being able to drive and having strange bumps and bruises. The family of a patient with Huntington’s Disease is impacted by having to go to support groups and having to take care of the patient. Katie Lopez

Treatments Available to Individuals So far, doctors have not found a cure for this disorder, but have found a medicine to lessen symptoms. There are treatments for the mental and movement problems with this disease such as mood-stabilizing drugs and the prescriptions drug Tetrabenazine There is also therapy offered to patients, which has brought new hope. Katie Lopez

Current Research A large organization funding researching and helping to finding a cure for Huntington’s Disease is The Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Since 1999, this nonprofit has raised more than $18 million towards research for this disease. They have also raised awareness of Huntington’s and have helped solve problems with the biological mechanisms side of Huntington’s Disease. They are working towards getting help for every family affected by Huntington’s Disease now and in the future. Francesca Turchetti

Summary of an Affected individual One person affected by Huntington’s Disease is a teacher named Jenny from Las Vegas, Nevada. Her passion was to help fight for a cure. Jenny has been struggling with Huntington’s Disease ever since she was six years old. Her mother died from Huntington’s Disease, so Jenny is very motivated to help find a cure! Jenny is pictured on the right. Carlos Rodriguez

Interview   This interview is about a woman named Emma from the UK. She talked about growing after the loss of her mother, and her battle with Huntington’s Disease.

Bibliography ease.pdf ease.pdf Francesca Turchetti