Huntington Disease

Facts for Prelims

Huntington Disease

News: Recently, scientists have made progress in understanding Huntington’s disease by studying fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster).

About:
• Huntington’s disease is a hereditary, neurodegenerative illness with physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that makes the protein called huntingtin. The disease leads to progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, affecting movement, cognitive functions, and emotions.
• The symptoms of Huntington’s disease widely vary between individuals and include Movement disorders Involuntary jerking or writhing movements (Chorea), Tremors, Rigidity or contracture of muscles and Slow or abnormal eye movements.
• Cognitive disorders like Problems with organizing, prioritizing, or retaining focus on tasks, Getting stuck on thoughts, behavior, or action.
• Psychiatric disorders - Depression and/or mania, irritability, Social withdrawal and Insomnia
• Huntington’s disease is not curable, but treatments include medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes to help the patient cope with the condition