What are the symptoms of Huntington’s disease?
Huntington’s disease can cause different symptoms in everyone. Although it’s an inherited disease, symptoms can even vary in families when multiple people are diagnosed. Generally, though, people experience symptoms in:
- Thinking: Problems with memory, concentration, planning, decision-making, and cognition.
- Movement: As HD affects parts of the brain responsible for movement, people can experience chorea, characterised by rapid, irregular, and involuntary movements.
- Behaviour: HD can make people behave differently, including becoming more irritable, anxious, apathetic or depressed.
It’s important to note that many of these symptoms are associated with other conditions, and it may not always be due to Huntington’s. If you are experiencing anything that concerns you, visit your GP for help.
When do people start experiencing symptoms of HD?
The onset of Huntington’s disease symptoms usually occurs in middle age, with most people first reporting them between ages 30 and 50. However, as we know, HD affects everyone differently, including when symptoms begin to show.
HD symptoms are usually slow to progress and will gradually worsen throughout a person’s life. At first, family members and loved ones may notice subtle changes in your mood and cognition, as well as in your coordination, such as becoming clumsier. In the later stages of Huntington’s, people may experience difficulty swallowing, a higher chance of falls, incontinence, and dementia.
It’s natural for people with a Huntington’s disease diagnosis, and their carers, to feel more cautious of any physical or mental changes. symptoms. However, it’s important to note that clumsiness or forgetfulness are common for most people, and it doesn’t necessarily mean symptoms have progressed.
If you are concerned about Huntington’s, we recommend making a list of your symptoms and speaking to your GP.
Can young people have symptoms of Huntington’s disease?
In rare cases, people may experience symptoms and receive a Huntington’s diagnosis before the age of 20. Known as Juvenile Huntington’s disease, this condition affects less than 10% of people with HD.
Although the symptoms can be similar to adult HD, young people with Juvenile Huntington’s are less likely to experience chorea. However, they may be more likely to have muscle contractions and stiffness.
Is help available for Huntington’s disease symptoms?
Although there is no cure yet for Huntington’s disease, some methods have been helpful in managing or reducing symptoms. Currently, medications, physical and speech therapy, and supportive care are a few options for care.
As always, it’s best to speak with your GP or a medical professional for solutions targeted to your specific needs.
Huntington’s Australia is here to support individuals and families at every stage of Huntington’s disease with guidance, information, and connections to services. Learn more here.