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Huntington’s Disease

Level:
BTEC National
Board:
Edexcel

Last updated 4 Oct 2019

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Huntington's disease is an inherited disease which occurs because of damaged nerve cells in the brain. It is caused by a defective, dominant gene.

The symptoms of the disease start to develop in most people when they are in their 30s and 40s.

Effects of Huntingdon’s Disease:

  • Degeneration of nerve cells in the brain that result in cognitive decline.
  • Psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
  • Significant effects on a person’s movement and coordination.

Symptoms of Huntingdon’s Disease:

  • Physical disorders such as problems with balance and posture.
  • Intellectual and cognitive disorders such as slow processing, difficulty in organising information and the inability to find the correct words to use
  • Social withdrawal and feelings of isolation
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