Causes Of Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a fatal inherited disease that causes the gradual break down of cells in the brain. HD ( Huntington’s disease) causes deterioration of ones mental and physical abilities during their prime working years and unfortunately has no cure. In 1872, HD was first recognized by a 22 year old American doctor. George Huntington wrote the first ever literature on this disease, the paper called “On Chorea” which was later renamed as Huntington’s Disease. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries HD was poorly recognized and there for very rarely diagnosed. Victims would usually die before there symptoms worsened so doctors weren’t able to study this disease any further. No further research could be conducted to find out as to what or
HD is the leading genetic cause of unusual involuntary movements called chorea, which is why the disease used to be called Huntington's chorea. “HD is one of several trinucleotides repeat disorders, these disorders are caused by the length of a repeated section of a gene exceeding a normal range, a genetic defect on chromosome no.” Amed U. The common human has less than 36 repeated glutamines which results in the making of the cytoplasmic protein Huntingtin. Although, a sequence of 36 or more glutamines results in the creation of a protein with different genetic make up. This adaptation is called mutant Htt, and increases the rate of decaying neutrons in the brain. Huntington's disease has autosomal dominant inheritance, that means a victim typically inherits one copy of the gene from an affected parent. In this kind of inheritance sequence, each child of an affected parent has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the mutant allel. As the disease develops within each family tree, it becomes more apparent at younger ages. Figure
Usually, the earlier symptoms appear, the quicker this disease advances. Family members of the infected person might notice “mood swings or them becoming uncharacteristically irritable, apathetic, passive, depressed, or angry.” Gaitherburg. Symptoms may become weeken with the advancement of this disease or, with some other persons, may continue or include violent outbursts or deep burts of depression. “HD may affect the individual's judgment, memory, and other cognitive functions.” Gaitherburg. In some individuals, this disease may start with uncontrollable jerks in theface, feet, and fingers, or trunk. These delvopments—which are signs of chorea— oftenget extremely worse when this person is anxious or is agitated. Cluminess and becoming off balance are also early signs of HD. In other cases people develop choreic movements later, with the advancement of HD. Chorea often generates serious problems with walking, and successfully fulling everyday activities. “The disease can reach the point where speech is slurred and vital functions, such as swallowing, eating, speaking, and especially walking, continue to decline.” Gaitherburg One may not even be familiar with other family members. Many, however, are able to express emotions and is aware of their