Coping with Huntington's Disease

Did you know that around the world there are thousands of people that suffer from Huntington’s disease, which is a genetic disorder of the central nervous system? What happens is gradually there are subtle changes in personality and behavior that become more pronounced as the disease advances. It can be anything from a mood swings to depression and even violent tantrums. People who suffer from this disease also have trouble controlling normal bodily functions. As each day passes it becomes harder and harder for them to handle a simple task such as getting up and going to work, or cleaning the house. Gradually it will get to the point where the person will no longer be able to care for themselves. It has a heartbreaking affect on the family members who have to watch a loved one slowly succumb to this disease. 

I have thoroughly researched this topic and there is currently no cure for this horrible disease, but there is care that is offered to help a person cope and deal with their symptoms. There are medications that can help to control spasmodic movements and help to reduce depression. Some even seek the assistance of a dietitian since many HD sufferers require a high calorie diet to maintain their body weight. How fast the disease progress varies from person to person. And even if you are experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above I would still recommend that you see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. The life expectancy of a person with HD is currently about 15 to 20 years once the symptoms have begun.
Unfortunately children whose parents have Hd are at a 50% risk of inheriting the disease.