Degenerative Diseases: Huntington’s

What is this article about?

Huntington’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition affecting the nerve cells in the brain. It is a rare, genetic disease that impairs physical, cognitive and psychological functioning. The onset of the disease is usually in adulthood, with 90% of people developing symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50. When symptoms appear before the age of 20, it is known as juvenile Huntington’s disease. People who develop the disease early may experience different and faster-progressing symptoms. Life expectancy after the onset of symptoms is generally 10 to 30 years, and around 10 for juvenile Huntington’s disease (Mayo Clinic 2020).