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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’.
The physical symptoms can be experienced by an individual in different ways and these can include…
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.
The cognitive symptoms can be experienced by an individual in different ways as described below…
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.
The psychological symptoms can be experienced by an individual in different ways as described below…