Huntington's disease

Abstract

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disorder that causes neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Most patients with HD develop symptoms in all three of these domains, often concurrently. Problems in one area can impact and magnify symptoms in another domain. Limited treatment options exist for neurological and cognitive symptoms at this time, and no treatment exists to slow disease progression. In contrast, many behavioral symptoms respond to psychiatric medication. Thorough and aggressive treatment of psychiatric symptoms can positively impact both patient and caregiver quality of life, and may allow patients to remain longer in the home. There are currently numerous treatment trials not only for symptomatic therapy, but also for disease-modifying agents.