Huntington’s Disease Center

Our approach to Huntington’s disease care

Our clinic uses a team-based approach to care for people with Huntington’s disease and their families. During a single visit, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation from a neurologist along with assessments from physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as specialists in nutrition and social work.

We develop an individualized care plan with recommendations for follow-up and community-based services when appropriate. Visits may last two to three hours to allow for a thorough evaluation, with follow-up typically recommended every six months.

Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that causes progressive changes in the brain, affecting movement, thinking, and mood. Symptoms often begin between ages 30 and 50.

If one parent has Huntington’s disease, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene. A person who inherits the gene will develop symptoms at some point in their life.

Symptoms can include:

• Changes in personality, mood, or depression
• Memory problems and impaired judgment
• Unsteady walking and involuntary movements (chorea)
• Slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and weight loss