HUNTINGTON DISEASE
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Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic
disorder that causes progressive loss of cells in areas of the brain
responsible for some aspects of movement control and mental
abilities. A person with
Huntington's disease gradually develops abnormal movements and
changes in cognition, behavior, and personality.
The onset of symptoms of
Huntington's disease is usually between the ages of 30 and 50;
although in 10% of cases, onset is in late childhood or early
adolescence. Approximately 30,000 people in the United States are
affected by Huntington's disease,
with another 150,000 at risk for developing it.
Huntington's disease is also called Huntington's chorea, from the
Greek word for "dance," referring to the involuntary movements that
develop as the disease progresses. It is occasionally referred to as
"Woody Guthrie's disease" for the American folk singer who died from
it. |
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