Huntington's disease is a rare inherited (genetic) disorder that
causes parts of the brain to break down and lose some normal functions
(degeneration). It is also called Huntington's chorea.
Symptoms of the disease usually develop after age 40 and include
rapid, jerky movements (twitches in the face and jerks of the arms) that cannot
be controlled (chorea) and the gradual loss of mental abilities (dementia),
leading to personality changes, behavior problems, and memory loss.
There is no known cure for the disease. Treatment with medicines
may help control the involuntary movements.
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics
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