About Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurologic disorder that causes involuntary movements, emotional symptoms, and loss of cognitive abilities. The involuntary movements may first appear as restlessness, and later include random movements of the limbs and face. In addition, many patients also develop stiffness, difficulty with walking, reduced control of fine movements, and problems with speech and swallowing. Emotional symptoms may include depression, reduced control over feelings and impulses, or irritability. Cognitive symptoms may include problems with memory, concentration, motivation, and planning. Weight loss is an important complication.

Resources

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Inc. (HDSA)www.hdsa.org

New England Chapter, HDSA http://www.hdsa-ne.org/

MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND)www.mghmind.org

National Institutes of Health http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/huntington.htm

Huntington Study Group: http://www.huntington-study-group.org/

The Huntington Project: http://www.huntingtonproject.org/

Hereditary Disease Foundation: http://www.hdfoundation.org/

Huntington's Disease Advocacy Center http://www.hdac.org/

Stanford HOPES http://www.stanford.edu/group/hopes/

The HD Lighthouse: http://www.hdlighthouse.org/