Huntington’s disease is one of those frightening diseases, which directly affects the brain. The brain is what makes our life, and the effects in the brain can be life-changing if there is any damage or changes in it.
Here in the article, we will be learning about this rare disease - Huntington’s disease.
Huntington’s disease is a hereditary condition in which the nerve cells of your brain gradually break down. It may affect your physical movements, your emotions, and your cognitive abilities.
Causes
Huntington's disease is a progressive disorder of the brain caused by a defective gene. This disease causes changes in the central brain area, which affect the abilities of movement, mood, and thought.
Huntington disease diagnosis can come as quite a shock. As there is no cure, but there are forms and signs of dealing with this disorder. However, tapping into a support system like a psychologist, therapist, or group of support can make the journey a little less daunting. People with Huntington's can live independently for many years, with the help of a healthcare team.
Symptoms
- Personality changes, mood swings, and depression
- Problems with memory and judgment
- Unsteady walking and uncontrollable movements
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing, and weight loss
Besides, if there is Huntington's disease history in your family, it can cause a lot of worry and anxiety, as you may be looking out for possible symptoms. If you are at risk of developing Huntington's disease because of family history but have not yet developed any symptoms, genetic testing is also possible - known as pre-symptomatic testing. If you have inherited the defective gene, you will develop symptoms at some point in your life. However, it is not possible to predict when your symptoms will appear.
However, getting genetic testing done is a choice for each person as an individual. Some people do not wish to be tested. They would prefer to wait to see if they develop any symptoms.
Treatment
If you may develop Huntington's disease in the future, or if you already have symptoms, talking to an online psychologist can help you cope. As with many Huntington’s disease, patients end up committing suicide so therapy can reduce your chances of this happening. By stimulating your mind, you may also be able to live a longer life. A counselor can also be of assistance to a caretaker when dealing with the disease with a family member.
You can reach out to the HopeQure network of experienced online counselors and find one that works for you. Researching and finding a specialist in your illness is essential so you can get the most accurate guidance. HopeQure can help guide you to a specialist who understands the disease of Huntington and will help you improve your quality of life.
A certified counselor can give you insight into how you feel and will support you in maintaining a balanced life.