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Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is a rare inherited (genetic) disorder that causes parts of the brain to break down and lose some normal functions (degeneration). It is also called Huntington's chorea.

Symptoms of the disease usually develop after age 40 and include rapid, jerky movements (twitches in the face and jerks of the arms) that cannot be controlled (chorea) and the gradual loss of mental abilities (dementia), leading to personality changes, behavior problems, and memory loss.

There is no known cure for the disease. Treatment with medications may help control the involuntary movements.

Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH
- Reproductive Genetics
Last Updated November 20, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 20, 2007
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