Huntington's disease

Find sites offering information, advice and assistance. Huntington's disease is caused by a faulty gene on chromosome 4. The gene, which produces a protein called Huntingtin, was discovered in 1993. In some way - which is not yet understood - the faulty gene leads to a damage of the nerve cells in areas of the brain, including the the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. Each person whose parent has Huntington's disease is born with a 50-50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. HD has been heavily researched in the last few decades and it was one of the first inherited genetic disorders for which an accurate test could be performed.
Huntington's disease's most obvious symptoms are abnormal body movements called chorea and a lack of coordination, but it also affects a number of mental abilities and some aspects of personality. Find symptoms diagnosis, treatment and causes details.