Huntington Disease
Huntington Disease (HD) is a rare genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms of HD include abnormal involuntary writhing movements, changes in cognition, behavior and personality, and eventual dementia. The disease is fatal, as there is no known cure. It is estimated that around 30,000 individuals in the United States have the HD mutation, but the global incidence is much higher. HD is caused by a single mutated gene in the individual, and there is a 50% chance that offspring of someone with the HD gene will also inherit it. HD presents itself differently in each individual, and the age of onset and rate of progression vary. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
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