Huntington's Disease

Overview

Mayo Clinic has experience treating Huntington's disease and is extensively involved in clinical and genetic research to better understand its cause and progression, and to increase treatment options.

A diagnosis of Huntington's disease can be very difficult for both the patient and family. At Mayo Clinic, a team of specialists across the fields of genetic counseling, psychology, psychiatry, behavioral neurology and movement disorders collaborate to provide the best possible combination of support and treatment, all within the nurturing Mayo Clinic environment.

Diagnosis

Professional genetic counseling is important in the diagnosis of Huntington's disease. While genetic testing (from a blood sample) makes confirmation of the disease relatively easy, it can create difficult questions for patients and their families. Read more about Huntington's disease diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Although the disease's progression cannot be stopped or reversed, therapies and support are available to partially alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatments include medication, mental health care, and speech, swallowing and physical therapies. Read more about Huntington's disease treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder caused by the deterioration of certain nerve cells in the brain due to an inherited genetic abnormality. The abnormality affects a protein (huntingtin) whose function is not yet fully understood.

The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant,; an affected parent has a 50 percent risk of passing the abnormal gene to each child.

The disease is named after the doctor who first noted heredity as the cause.

Read more at
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