Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

The symptoms of Huntington’s disease are a direct result of damage to the basal ganglia and frontal lobe regions of the brain that enable us to think, feel, move and act independently. Therefore, symptoms present themselves in three main areas which are physical, cognitive and emotional. There is no specific order in which symptoms may present and they can also vary in their severity.  For example, some individuals may have significantly impaired movements and balance but may only be experiencing minor cognitive changes. For more in-depth information on the symptoms of Huntington’s disease, please click on the headings below.

Physical Symptoms

Huntington’s disease causes a number of physical changes to an individual which impacts their ability to be independently mobile without support. The most recognisable symptom is the jerky uncontrolled movements of the arms, legs, head, face and upper body. These movements can also be referred to as ‘chorea’.

Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive symptoms can often be harder to identify as they are not as visible as physical symptoms. Cognitive symptoms are a direct result of the changes in the brain that are responsible for the way we think, plan, organise and perform tasks.

Psychological & Emotional Symptoms

The psychological and emotional symptoms of Huntington’s disease are less predictable compared to physical and cognitive symptoms. Experiencing mental health issues is not uncommon for individuals from Huntington’s families given its genetic nature and the subsequent psycho-social impacts on families across generations. 

Learn more

Symptom Watching

Living with the unknown is stressful for all of us and therefore it is a natural and understandable response to practice symptom watching. What does this mean? In real terms, we all do this when we are self-conscious or worried about our health. For individuals from a Huntington’s family, it is when you associate the majority of your actions and behaviours with the symptoms of Huntington’s disease regardless of your genetic status.

Please keep in mind, many of the symptoms of Huntington’s disease such as fumbling, moodiness or forgetfulness are also experienced by individuals in the general population that have no risk of Huntington’s disease. However, if this remains an issue of concern for you, please seek professional advice from someone you trust (i.e. general practitioner, psychologist, Huntington’s disease specialist, and/or Huntington’s Victoria).

Please be reassured, there are strategies that you can implement that will assist you to manage the symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Find out more here: