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Huntington's Disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Genetics Birth Defects

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is an inherited condition that causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, typically manifesting in middle age.

Overview

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disease that causes certain nerve cells in the brain to waste away. People are born with the defective gene, but symptoms usually do not appear until middle age.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of HD may include:

  • Uncontrolled movements
  • Clumsiness
  • Balance problems

Later stages can result in the loss of the ability to walk, talk, and swallow. While some individuals stop recognizing family members, others remain aware of their environment and are able to express emotions.

Genetics and Testing

If one parent has Huntington's disease, there is a 50% chance of inheriting it. A blood test can determine if an individual carries the HD gene and will develop the disease. Genetic counseling is recommended to help weigh the risks and benefits of testing.

Treatment

There is no cure for Huntington's disease. Medicines can help manage some symptoms, but they cannot slow down or stop the progression of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

The first clues often appear in the late 30s to early 40s and include subtle changes such as involuntary jerking (chorea), clumsiness, difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., buttoning shirts), mood swings, irritability, depression, or mild problems with balance and coordination. If you notice a combination of these symptoms, especially with a family history, discuss evaluation with a neurologist.
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) increase the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. A speech‑language pathologist can assess swallowing function and recommend strategies such as thickened liquids, modified food textures, and safe eating positions. In later stages, a feeding tube (PEG) may be considered to ensure nutrition and reduce aspiration risk, but the decision should involve the patient’s wishes, quality‑of‑life goals, and the care team.
Testing is a personal decision. A predictive blood test can tell if you carry the expanded HTT gene before any signs develop. Many choose testing early to plan financially, medically, and emotionally, while others wait to avoid anxiety. Genetic counseling before and after testing is strongly recommended to discuss implications for you, your family, and future children.
Currently, no drug has been proven to halt or reverse disease progression. Treatments focus on symptom management: antipsychotics or mood stabilizers for psychiatric issues, tetrabenazine or deutetrabenazine for chorea, and speech or physical therapy to maintain function. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating disease‑modifying agents, so staying in contact with a specialty center can provide access to experimental therapies.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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