Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is an inherited disease causing abnormal movements and problems with coordination.

Other symptoms include mood problems and cognitive impairment that gets progressively worse over time. The age of onset and the course of the disease varies for each person, and dementia can occur at any stage of the illness.

Symptoms of dementia associated with Huntington’s disease mainly include difficulties with concentration, planning and organisational skills. A loss of short-term memory may also occur. People with Huntington’s disease may also develop obsessive behaviour. This form of dementia differs from Alzheimer’s disease in that those affected continue to recognise people and places until the very late stages of the illness.

At present, there is no cure for dementia associated with Huntington’s disease, but research is being carried out to try to find treatments for the future.