Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that slowly damages nerve cells in the brain. It affects movement, behaviour, and the way a person thinks. The symptoms develop over many years and become more noticeable as time goes by.
How the disease affects the body
Huntington’s disease harms the parts of the brain that control movement and emotions. Many people develop chorea, which means sudden, jerky movements of the hands, feet, face, or body. These movements often get worse when a person feels stressed or distracted.
Some people become stiff rather than having jerky movements, which is called akinesia. Others may hold unusual fixed positions, known as dystonia. The illness can also affect speech, swallowing, and walking, and people may lose weight because eating becomes difficult.
Early symptoms often appear in middle age, although a rare form can affect children. Families and businesses can seek local mental health training courses Plymouth, which are available from providers such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/plymouth, to help them understand the emotional effects of the condition.
Thinking and behaviour changes
Huntington’s disease also affects thinking. A person may find it harder to concentrate, solve problems, or make decisions; over time, everyday tasks such as driving, planning activities, or learning new information become more difficult. In later stages, the thinking problems can become severe, although many people remain aware of what is happening around them.
Behaviour and mood can also change. Some people become irritable, sad, withdrawn, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. These changes can place strain on relationships and make support very important.
