Huntington's Disease Research Paper

Huntington 's disease
John Doe
HCS/245
10/20/2013
Prof Jane

Huntington 's disease
In 1993 researchers discovered the gene that causes Huntington’s disease. (Huntington 's disease Society of America, 8/27) Huntington’s disease is a disease which progressively degenerates cells in the brain slowly over time. Since the nerve cells in the brain are slowly dying it causes uncontrollable movements, emotion changes and other forms of determination of psychological aspects. (The Diagnosis and Treatment of Huntington 's disease, 2013) The Article “What is Huntington’s Disease” is broken up in the causes of the disease, symptoms, risks and complications, and treatment.
The article states that Huntington’s disease is an abnormal
Signs and symptoms of the disease in the early stages can include mood swings, depression, and reduced cognition, clumsiness, and the inability to control facial movements. (Caudie, 05/1) Tremors, rigid muscles, and slow movements are also other signs of Huntington’s disease. (Caudie, 05/1) According the article seizures could also happen during this early phase. When the disease progresses into later stages signs and symptoms include sudden jerky movements throughout the body and includes jerky eye movement, progressed problems with balance, difficulty swallowing, and problems with speech. In worse case scenarios signs of dementia can happen. (Caudie,
(The Diagnosis and Treatment of Huntington 's disease, 2013) Although there is no cure of the disease there are other forms of treatment that could improve quality of life for those suffering from Huntington’s disease. These treatments treat the symptoms and not cure the disease itself. (The Diagnosis and Treatment of Huntington 's disease, 2013) For example, Tetrabenazine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the involuntary movements that comes with Huntington’s. (Caudie, 05/1) Treatments for changes in behavior are treated with antipsychotics such as fluoxetine and nortriptolene which are commonly used for mood swings and depression. (Caudie, 05/1) In an instance where the disease has progressed to where speech is effected then speech and occupational therapists are recommended.
According to www.tree.com people with Huntington’s disease should consume more calories to maintain their body weights. Since Huntington’s disease often causes difficulty in swallowing, soft or blended foods is recommended. In worse case scenarios physicians will advise patients on the use of feeding tubes. (The Diagnosis and Treatment of Huntington 's disease, 2013) Seeking the advice of a nutritionists is also