Huntington’s Disease

Named after the doctor who discovered it in the late 19th century, Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited and progressive neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain.

HD is caused by a change, or mutation, in a gene. If you have a parent with the disease, you have a 50% chance of getting the changed gene and the disease. But there is no way to know when you will develop HD. Some people may pass on the changed gene to a child before knowing that they have symptoms of the condition.


Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop after age 40 and include rapid, jerky movements (twitches in the face and jerks of the arms) that cannot be controlled. It also causes the gradual loss of mental abilities (dementia), leading to personality and behavioral changes, psychiatric problems and gait difficulties. Weight loss is also a common concern in HD.


Screening & Diagnosing Huntington's Disease

A blood test can show whether you have the changed gene. You may want to have genetic counseling if you are thinking of having the test. Medical geneticists and genetic counselors are experts who can explain what the test means, tell you the benefits and risks of the test, and answer your questions.


Treating Huntington’s Disease

There is no known cure for the disease. Treatment for HD may include medications, psychotherapy, physical, occupational and speech therapy, specific diets, supplements and lifestyle changes such as incorporating regular mild exercise, healthy sleep habits, and participating in individual and/or family therapy.


Meet our Huntington’s Disease Providers:

Bortan, Elena, MD
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
4.9 / 5
Neurology
HHC Institute
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
100 Perkins Farm Drive Suite 102
Mystic, CT 06355
Offers Video Medicine
Dorfman, Benjamin, MD
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
4.8 / 5
Neurology
HHC Institute
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
280 South Main Street Suite 102
Cheshire, CT 06410
More Locations
  • 80 South Main Street Suite 202
    Winsted, CT 06098
Offers Video Medicine
Duffy, James, MD, FANA, FAAHPM
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
Psychiatry
HHC Institute
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
100 Perkins Farm Drive Suite 102
Mystic, CT 06355
Offers Video Medicine
Kanchana, Sulada, MD, PhD
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
4.6 / 5
Neurology
HHC Institute
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
35 Talcottville Road Suite 6
Vernon, CT 06066
Offers Video Medicine
Lahrmann, Jeffrey Philip, MD
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
4.9 / 5
Neurology
HHC Institute
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
35 Talcottville Road Suite 6
Vernon, CT 06066
More Locations
  • 80 South Main Street Suite 202
    Winsted, CT 06098
Offers Video Medicine
Moro De Casillas, Maria Luisa, MD
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
5 / 5
Neurology
HHC Institute
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
100 Perkins Farm Drive Suite 102
Mystic, CT 06355
More Locations
  • 79 Retreat Avenue 2nd Floor
    Hartford, CT 06106
Offers Video Medicine
Urval, Nikita, MD
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
4.8 / 5
Neurology
HHC Institute
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
623 Newfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06905
Offers Video Medicine

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Chase Family Movement Disorders Center

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