Free Essay

Huntington Disease

In:

Submitted By AnnJHB
Words 1853
Pages 8
Running head: HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE

Huntington’s Disease
Bradley Amos
St. Ambrose University
March 21, 2011

Huntington’s Disease Huntington’s disease is a devastating and progressive neurological disorder that results primarily from degeneration of nerve cells deep in the center of the brain that waste away (PubMed Health, 2011). According to National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (2010) more than 15,000 Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. Nearly all people who develop Huntington’s disease will die within 10 to 30 years from onset. This disease does not show bias to any sex, ethnicity or race. The pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with high penetrance (Jarvis, 2008, p.360). The symptoms of Huntington’s disease are abnormal uncontrollable movements and personality changes (Jarvis, 2008, p.360). As the disease progresses so does the severity of the symptoms. It is a genetic disease that is passed on from generation to generation. A person can be genetically tested to determine if you have the gene for this disease. To date there is not a cure for this rare debilitating disease (Medline Plus, 2009).
Definition of Disorder
Huntington’s disease was named after an American doctor George Huntington in 1872. Before it was named by Doctor Huntington it was called “chorea” which means choreography in Greek. It was named so because people affected by this disease would twist, turn and jerk in uncontrollable movements that others perceived as dancing moves (National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, 2010). There are two forms of Huntington’s disease. Adult-onset, which is the most common, usually develops when the person is in their mid 30s or 40s. Early-onset is rarer and develops in childhood or adolescents (Medline Plus, 2009). This devastating disease comes on gradually then increases over the years which can be separated into three stages. The first early symptoms are subtle and light uncontrollable muscular movements. This includes the lack of concentration and some short-term memory loss, which results in depression and changes of mood. During the next stage the patient needs some assistance with the activities of daily living because of the uncontrollable movements have disrupted walking, talking and eating. In the final stage the patient now needs full-time care because they are unable to speak or walk. Since the body has had many years of prolong uncontrollable movement it starts to become stiff and rigid (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Nevertheless, even as the disease advances, individuals with the disorder still are able to recognize their families, are aware of their condition, and have the ability to understand what is happening to them. People affected with Huntington’s disease usually die of infection, malnutrition, or heart failure (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Causes and Etiological Factors Huntington’s disease is a genetic autosomal dominant disease. If an individual’s parent has the disease they have a fifty percent chance of inheriting Huntington’s. Since most people don’t develop any signs or symptoms until their middle aged they don’t realize that they have already passed on the trait. If a person inherits the defective gene it will eventually become active and brain cells in the body's central nervous system will begin to die. This is when a human begins to develop the indications of Huntington’s disease. If someone does inherit the gene they will not pass it on to the next generation (Mayo clinic, 2009). Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the gene located on chromosome 4. This defect is caused by an abnormal expansion of a part of DNA called a CAG repeat that occurs many more times than usual. It is normally supposed to repeat 10 to 35 times, but in a person with Huntington’s it repeats more than 36 to 120 times (Medline Plus, 2009). The large size of this section makes the DNA more unstable, which in turn creates an abnormal shape.
Pathophysiology of Disorder

HD is connected with progressive degeneration of neurons in certain areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia and the existence of astrocytes that build up due to obliteration of close by neurons (gliosis). The basal ganglia consist of particular nerve cell groups within the brain that manage motor behavior. Main substructures of the basal ganglia include the caudate nuclei and the globus pallidus. This deterioration of the basal ganglia, mainly the caudate nucleus, is the major pathologic characteristic of Huntington disease (American Society of Neural Therapy and Repair, 2008). Protein accumulates in the brain cells and masses of glutamine stick to each other on the irregular molecules. As a result of this there is a biochemical alteration to the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) pathway, a neurotransmitter, which alters the integration of motor and mental function (Jarvis, 2008, p.360).

Degeneration of pathways causes GABA depletion which causes degeneration within the temporal and frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex. Frontal cerebral weakening takes place late in the illness. One theory proposes that selective loss of specialized cells results in reduced inhibition of the thalamus. Therefore the thalamus intensifies its production to certain areas of the brain's cerebral cortex (National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, 2010). This may develop gradually and contain hypotonia and involuntary, fragmentary movements, such as chorea (Jarvis, 2008, p.360).
Clinical Manifestations The clinical manifestations of Huntington disease comprise a movement disorder, a cognitive disorder, and a behavioral disorder. Patients may have characteristics of one or all of the disorders in varying amounts (eMedicine, 2010). Chorea, the most frequent type of irregular movement disturbing these individuals, initiates in the face and arms, eventually affecting the entire body (Jarvis, 2008, p.360). Dysarthria and dysphagia are common. Abnormal eye movements may be seen early in the disease as well (eMedicine, 2010). Cognitive shortages include loss of memory and reduced ability to plan, organize, and sequence. Thoughts and judgment are slow. Agitation and irritability are frequent. The classic manifestations of Huntington disease are abnormal movement and progressive dysfunction of intellectual and thought processes (dementia) (Jarvis, 2008, p.360). Dementia and the psychiatric features of HD are perhaps the first and most vital gauges of functional impairment. The behavioral disorder of Huntington’s disease is embodied most commonly by emotional illnesses. Depression is more widespread, with some patients experiencing periodic spells of bipolar disorder. As a result of depression many patients with Huntington’s disease and even persons at risk for Huntington’s disease may have an amplified rate of suicide. Patients with HD also can develop psychosis, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, sexual and sleep disorders and changes in personality (eMedicine, 2010). Any one of these features may mark the onset of the disease (Jarvis, 2008, p.360). Treatment and Evaluation The diagnosis of Huntington disease is based primarily on the family history and the clinical appearance of the disorder itself. There is no cure for Huntington's disease at this time and no known treatment is successful in halting the degeneration or development of symptoms. Drug therapies are being still being explored to stop this process and Recombinant genetic techniques may someday prevent or control the disorder. As of now the treatment for Huntington's disease focuses on controlling symptoms and improving daily functioning (Jarvis, 2008, p.360). There are several tests that may be used to evaluate Huntington's disease. Although prognostic genetic tests may specify whether individuals hold the infectious gene, these tests are not capable of confirming the onset of the disorder itself. Therefore, the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease is also based on a total physical and neurologic evaluation including; discovery of distinguishing symptoms and findings such as chorea, depression, or dementia, as well as a careful patient and family history (National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, 2010). Specialized brain imaging studies may also offer confirmation that supports an analysis of Huntington’s disease. Genetic testing is the main indicator and can be tested by a CT scan of the brain, MRI scan of the brain, or a PET scanning of the brain. These scans can detect changes in brain metabolism and activity (PubMed Health, 2011).In some patients with advanced cases of the disease, computerized tomography (CT) scanning revealed characteristic mutual neurodegeneration of the caudate nuclei and the putamen as well as connected neuronal failure within the temporal and frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex. Additionally, CT scanning might also identify featured enlargement of cavities of the brain. According to some experts, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be more responsive, which would help detect putamen atrophy before evident neurodegeneration within the caudate nuclei occurred. Furthermore, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning may show reduced glucose and oxygen metabolism inside the caudate nuclei. (National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, 2010). Medications differ depending on the symptoms. Dopamine blockers may assist to decrease irregular behaviors and movements. Drugs such as haloperidol, tetrabenazine, and amantadine are used to attempt to manage extra movements (Medline Plus, 2009). Depression or psychosis is treated with drug therapy. Phenothiazines, which are antidopaminergic, may relieve some symptoms of chorea (Jarvis, 2008, p.360). Other treatments may include medications to control muscle spasms, antipsychotic medications, speech therapy, and occupational therapy (PubMed Health, 2011).There has also been suggestions that co-enzyme Q10 may also help slow down the disease. As the disease develops overtime, patients will eventually need some kind of support and supervision that may be up to 24 hours (Medline Plus, 2009). Nursing Implications: Holistic approach Although there is no cure for Huntington’s disease the early onset can be managed with proper care. Conclusion In conclusion, as stated above, this disease is incurable to date. Drugs that are used to treat Huntington's disease help manage the signs and symptoms but do not slow the disease process itself and can't prevent the physical and mental decline associated with the condition. (American Society of Neural Therapy and Repair, 2008). Huntington's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes nerve cells in your brain to die and causes people to experience uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances and mental deterioration. This disease is inherited and develops around your middle ages but can also develop in children, although rarely (Mayo clinic, 2009). Since people with this disease usually die within 15 to 20 years genetic counseling is highly recommended if you have a family history of Huntington's disease or for couples with a family history of the disease who are considering having children (Medline Plus, 2009).

References
American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair. (2008). Pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease: from huntingtin functions to potential treatments. Retrieved from http://www.asntr.org/news/pathophysiology-of-huntingtons-disease-from
EMedicine. (2010). Huntington’s Disease. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1150165-overview
Huether, S. E., & McCance, K.L. (2008). Understanding pathophysiology (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
Mayo Clinic. (2010). Huntington’s disease. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/huntingtons-disease/DS00401
National Institute of Nuerological Disorders and Stroke. (2010). Huntington’s disease: Hope through research. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/detail_huntington.htm#160493137
Medline Plus. (2009). Huntington’s disease. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000770.htm
PubMed Health. (2011). Huntington’s Disease: Huntington’s Chorea. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001775/

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Huntingtons Disease

...Huntington ’s disease Ronald Banks is a white male in his early 30’s. The patient presents for symptoms of uncontrollable leg movements. Mr. Banks has had these symptoms for over two months. Family history and genetic testing has indicated Mr. Banks has Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease is a genetic disease passed from parent to child. If a person has the faulty gene there is a 50/50 chance the child will have it. If a person has two children one will inherit the disease. Huntington’s is inherited in autosomal dominant pattern. Meaning you only have to get the gene from one parent to get the disease. Everyone who inherits the faulty gene will eventually develop the disease. There are many body systems that are affected by the disease. Huntington’s has a profound effect on the musculoskeletal system. You lose neurons that control coordination and fluidity of movement. Muscle twitching and jerking are usually the symptoms of the disease. This is also referred to chorea, and leaves many patients unable to care for themselves. They are unable to perform daily tasks such as feeding themselves, bathing due to risk of falls, dressing, and finally walking. At the end of the disease many people are bedridden and unable to speak. Huntington’s also affects the digestive system by causing loss of muscle control it makes chewing and swallowing difficult. The esophagus becomes uncoordinated and leads to regurgitation of swallowed foods. Having problems eating also leads...

Words: 727 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Huntingtons Disease

...INTRODUCTION Many people are blessed to have lived a long, healthy life in a world full of detrimental and deadly diseases. However, not everyone can say the last years of his or her life were even remotely close to healthy. Losing someone you love and care about to natural causes is sad enough as it is. Losing someone to a disease that progressively incapacitates your mental and physical capabilities is something entirely different. An example of such a malignant disorder is Huntington’s Disease, an inherited, degenerative brain disorder that is now diagnosed in 1 out of every 10,000 Americans. Huntington’s Disease Society of America is a voluntary, non-profit health organization dedicated to facilitate the lives of those who have inherited the disease by promoting and supporting scientific and medical research in hopes of developing a treatment or cure. The purpose of this report is to inform the community about the value and importance of the HDSA’s mission and goals and the impact it will have on the victims of this destructive brain disorder. What is Huntington’s Disease? Huntington’s Disease as defined by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America is “a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder…[that] slowly diminishes the affected individual's ability to walk, talk and reason.” Essentially, the victim loses capability of all motor skills and causes involuntary muscle movements, leaving them fully dependent of another person. Involuntary muscle movements...

Words: 1910 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Windsheild Survey

...definition of the term is, a defined region one lives, works, interacts with others and the environment; inclusive is a semblance of structure and beliefs based within that society where the members define and identify themselves as being part of that group (Standhope & Lancaster, 2012). Using this definition one sees that any group can be a community, and boundaries can merge one into many different types of communities with in the same location. Using this, one sees that the American community is broken down into further sub sets such as states, counties, cities, towns, school districts, and the list can continue ad infinitum. For the purpose of this paper the term community is defined within its relation to the school district of South Huntington, NY. Using the windshield survey the public health nurse assesses the health of the community. This is performed by immersing themselves physically into the area of interest. This grass roots approach allows one to gain insight that may not be revealed from statistical data collection alone. Community Health The term community health answers the questions: how is, who or what...

Words: 1349 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

The People

...› Science & Mathematics‎ Seven Experiments That Could Change the World: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Revolutionary Science (2nd Edition with Update on Results) [Rupert Sheldrake] on ... 5 Scientific Advances That Should Have Changed Everything ... www.cracked.com › History‎ Nov 17, 2011 - You don't need anesthetic." How It Could Have Changed the World: How does medical science decades ahead of where we are now sound? Meet the scientific accident that could change the world - Io9 io9.com/.../meet-the-scientific-accident-that-could-change-the-world‎ Feb 26, 2013 - Last year, researchers at UCLA made a rather fantastic, if serendipitous, discovery. A team of scientists led by chemist Richard Kaner had just ... Beautiful Science - The Huntington Library...

Words: 389 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Huntingtons Diseasee

...Huntington’s Disease Huntington’s Disease is a progressive neurological disease generally genetically inherited (Frank, 2014). This disease has an occurrence in all racial groups, however there is a greater concentration in those of northern European decent. This disease is rare, however is devastating to those afflicted with this disease as well as their family members (Novac & Tibrizi, 2010). Less than a month ago a very close friend of mine revealed that his father has been officially diagnosed with Huntington’s disease and that he now feared for himself that we will eventually be diagnosed with this disease. His father started having symptoms 11 years ago, however was diagnosed 8 years ago. He also watched his grandmother suffer through Huntington’s Disease throughout his childhood. He recently became engaged and it was in my conversation with him that I thought it was too soon and he was too young that he revealed his family history with Huntington’s disease. It was his concern for his father and his own future was my motivation for searching Huntington’s Disease. I hoped to gain insight that I can share with my friend if even just to be a sounding board with a little more context. History & Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease Huntington’s Disease is named for George Huntington who wrote and shared one of the most initial detailed accounts of the symptoms of this disease. Although other individuals have ben noted as documenting various aspects of what is now...

Words: 1107 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Health And Social Care Level 3 Unit 30 D1

...inherited condition. The disease I have chosen are cystic fibrosis which is a recessive disease and Huntington’s disease which is a dominant disease. I will assess the relationship between them both and discuss the impact on individuals of genotypes resulting in development delay of normal body functioning. Also, I will evaluate the support available for individuals with the two chosen conditions. The dominant inherited condition I have chosen is Huntington’s disease. This is a disease that damages certain nerve cells in the brain. This brain damage becomes progressively worse over time and will have an effect on movement, cognition (perception, awareness, thoughtful, judgement) along with behaviour and conduct. Early functions normally include personality changes, mood swings, fidgety moves, becoming easily irritated along with altered behaviour, despite the fact that these are generally frequently unnoticed along with due to something different....

Words: 353 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Entreprenuership

...The critical issue is about the discovery of Huntington disease genes in David Reiger, a 42 years old veteran pilot with Danville Airlines in Milwaukee, but which has not developed into a disease. Reiger is furious that the company tested him genetically, without his consent. The airline is concerned that if he becomes symptomatic, he could become physically and mentally handicapped thereby exposing their clients and their business to great danger (Mead & Wicks, 2004) The text identifies a couple of issues. First, Reiger was not informed of the genetic tests he underwent, given that he submitted to a routine annual drug and alcohol examination. Second, the release of Reiger’s genetic results (not related to the examination reasons) obtained during routine medical screening to his employer without prior notification and consent was unethical. Equally, the possibility of discrimination against Reiger based upon health reasons/medical history is high. Also, clients/public could be exposed to risks, which could occur if results of Reiger’s medical screenings are not holistically considered. Consequentialism, universalism, rights, justice and fairness are relevant ethical models that apply to the case in hand (Mead & Wicks, 2004 Overall, the key fact in the text, according to Mead & Wicks, 2004, is the discovery of a potential genetic disorder (Huntington’s disease) in David Reiger, a seasoned pilot with Danville Airlines in Milwaukee ensuing from a routine blood test for alcohol...

Words: 845 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Genetic Testing and Implications of Federal Law Regulations

...happening. When companies invade employee’s privacy they have violated the federal government’s guidelines of what is ethical and not ethical. The genetic testing for Huntington’s disease is a new emerging field of science that allows for individuals to know what medical conditions they are predisposed to however the federal government has established laws that state clearly the individual has to give consent and without consent these medical tests violates their medical privacy’s rights. “There are three major types of genetic tests: biochemical, cytogenetic, and molecular.” (Beery, 2014, p. 71) In this case study, the two types of genetic tests were biochemical and molecular. Biochemical test uses enzymes in the blood to see if the enzyme reacts to a certain subject and if does shows what the genetic dispose for that disease. The molecular genetic testing is looking more at the DNA of the person and having to see which DNA sequence leads to the medical disorder. The benefits for Reiger is knowing that what in his body are the cause of the newly discovered condition of Huntington’s disease (HD) and having the correct medical advice on his condition. However, there are more drawbacks for Reiger knowing about his condition from the genetic testing. Scuffham and MacMillan (2014) researched this disease and stated that once patients found out their results mental distress happened because they the knowledge of their children’s risk of getting this condition and having to find more...

Words: 1296 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Huntington's Disease Research Paper

...Huntington's Disease Essay: By Jasmine Mongeon Huntington's disease is an inherited disease characterized by the degeneration of the central nervous system, which ultimately results in abnormal movements and mental deterioration. The genetic abnormality consists of expansion in the trinucleotide repeat CAG in the HD gene on chromosome 4, which codes for the normal protein huntingtin. The HD gene is an autosomal dominant condition which means that only one parent must have the gene in order for a child to inherit HD. Huntington's disease results in abnormal movements and mental deterioration. Each child of an Huntington's disease parent has a 50% chance of getting the Huntington's disease. If the child does not inherit the Huntington's disease...

Words: 971 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Clash of Cultures

...“Clash not Culture” Cultural differences in a post-Cold War era will not empirically lead to more frequent and violent conflicts between civilizations, regardless of their relationship or proximity to each other. As proven through history, conflict is inevitable and today theorists continue to debate where and why the next war will occur. Our world is a mist a diverging global society with non-state actors competing for new world order. Many states are suffering great turmoil, while others are gaining economic strength and power. Although the world has reached a point that we are poised for conflict, there has actually been a decline in conflict among civilizations. Among those that are geographically positioned for a border dispute, there has been no significant increase in conflict. Many would argue that clashes between western civilizations and non-western civilizations should be at the top of the list, but this has not been the case either. Conflict and war has occurred since the beginning of man and has been recorded right along religious strife. Conflict occurs for several basic reasons including: an attempt to increase a standard of living, to prevent a decrease in a standard of living, greed-more power and territory, religious idealism, and corrupt governments. When developing an analysis to determine the next confrontation, there are several points that must be considered: relative power of non-state ...

Words: 879 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

We R Marshall

...“We Are Marshall” Reason for Choice of Movie The selection of film, I have chosen, is based upon my infatuation with the very intriguing storyline it offers. At first, one may believe that the storyline is nothing more than another movie concerning football. However, the storyline offers a combination of a beloved American sport, along with touching accounts of the lives of each main character, as they dealt with grief and despair independently. Most importantly, the storyline depicts the perseverance of one man who strived for perfection, even when everyone else neither believed in him nor shared his vision. “We are Marshall” correlates with the textbook as, the manner in which individuals adapt to difficult challenges vary from person to person. However, in order to achieve a true state of resiliency, one must allow the stages of grieving to be a fluid process. Finally, “We are Marshall” shows the actions of one, can lead to changes which positively impinge upon many. Summary of Movie “We are Marshall” is based upon a true story that occurred on November 14, 1970. “We are Marshall” begins with a plane crash that kills 75 members of the football team, including players, coaches, and fans. One can imagine how such a devastating event would impact the Marshall University community. Therefore, university President Donald Demond along with influential community members, decided in the best interest of the university, to discontinue the football program...

Words: 394 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Globalization

...(a) What are the eight major civilizations that Huntington presents in his argument? Is this an appropriate or accurate categorization/qualification of "civilizations?" Why or why not? (b) What are the five civilizational traits that Huntington presents in this article? What is one trait/aspect that he may have overlooked? Why was this potential "trait" not included among Huntington's original five? (c) In what three ways may non-Western civilizations potentially "respond" to the powers and values of Western civilization? Please choose two responses and provide and briefly describe/explain One specific real-world example depicting each of the two selected "responses." (d) In Huntington's view, why will civilizations clash? Please discuss in detail the six reasons Huntington uses to explain why a clash of civilizations is seemingly inevitable. (e) Do you agree with Huntington's argument as to why civilizations will clash? Why or why not? Provide at least ONE specific real-world example to support your answer. (HINT: In answering "why or why not," please consider whether Huntington overlooked and thus forget to add an important "reason" or whether he should omit/take-out one of his "reasons." Yao Jingjing Globalization and International Affairs October 9, 2012 Dr. Richardson Chapter 5 introduces a theory, “the clash of civilizations”, proposed by Samuel P. Huntington. According to this theory, “the fundamental source of conflict” after Cold war will be people’s cultural...

Words: 1188 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Clash of Civilisations

...Clash of civilizations script What Huntington thinks * in his hypothesis he thinks that today’s world has actually come to a period where the age of ideology or economically has ended. * Instead he says that the primary source of conflict between nations and humankind will be cultural and religious. That nation states will remain the most powerful actors in world affairs but the principal conflicts of global politics will occur between nations ad even groups of different civilizations * Huntington also suggested that the main reason of world politics tend to be conflict between western and non-western civilizations Why civilizations will clash * differences based on history, language, region, religion, tradition and culture are more fundamental and stable that other differences between people. And these fundamental differences are product of centuries so they will not disappear anytime soon * The world is becoming a ‘smaller’ place and as a result interactions across the world are increasing which intensifies ‘civilization consciousness’ and the awareness of differences between civilizations and commonalities within civilizations * Due to economic modernization and social change, people are separated from longstanding local identities. Instead, religion has replaced this gap, which provides a basis for identity and commitment that transcends national boundaries and unites civilizations. * The growth of civilization-consciousness is enhanced...

Words: 507 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Army as a Profession Argumentative Paper

...THE ARMY AS A PROFESSION After a decade of United States military action soldiers enjoy widespread public appreciation. The public consensus that the Army is the world’s most effective fighting force and protects US interests. Soldiers’ high level of training, use of superior equipment and dedication to duty increases effectiveness. These traits define Army soldiers as members in a profession of arms. To understand why the Army is a profession of arms we define profession, examine alternate points of view, and show how the Army meets that definition. Samuel P. Huntington’s defining characteristics of a profession include expertise, responsibility and corporateness. Expertise is a widely understood concept as it applies to one’s occupation. Greater expertise is necessary in occupations requiring higher order of thought. Responsibility is being accountable but also implies reliability. Corporateness is a concept that members of a group identify each other as distinct from laymen. Huntington’s definition is widely accepted and applied to other professions like the clergy or attorneys. Other theories of professionalism may undermine the belief the Army is a profession. The professions theory asserts bureaucracy constrains individuals. Therefore, professionals avoid bureaucracy. The Army is a large bureaucracy and if this idea is accepted it is logical to believe that it is not professional because of the immense bureaucratic restraint. However, the nature...

Words: 620 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Huntington's Disease Research Paper

...Huntington’s disease is an autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disorder illness, causing problems such as hindered or jerky limb movement, loss of cognitive function (which can lead to early onset dementia) and emotional problems such as depression (Jones L., Hughes A., 2011). There are a variety of symptoms that are associated with Huntington's disease of which start off with behavioral disturbances such as moodiness, restlessness, paranoia or psychosis before progressing onto more physical changes like head turning limited to only shifting eye position, sporadic and sometimes wild jerking movements of the arms, legs, face, and other body parts as well as slow, uncontrolled movements. Over the years, the sick individual will...

Words: 1347 - Pages: 6