Huntington's disease is a rare, neurological disease that causes the breakdown of brain cells. It is hereditary and caused by a mutation of the HTT gene. This mutation causes the huntingtin protein to fold abnormally causing the brain cell damage.
Symptoms: OCD-like behavior, psychosis, paranoia, memory loss, difficulty with speech and swallowing, muscle rigidity, and difficulties with logic and reasoning. Huntington's disease may also cause perseveration or getting stuck on a behavior or thought.
Risk Factors: Huntington's disease is an inherited disease and only one parent needs to have the disease to pass it down to their children. Children have a 50% chance of inheriting the disease if their parents have it.
Prognosis: Huntington's disease is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. Diagnosis usually comes between the ages of 30 and 50, but Huntington's disease can affect anyone at any age. Individuals usually live another 10-20 years after receiving a diagnosis.
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