Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a hereditary neurological brain disorder that slowly robs the affected individual of the ability to walk, talk, think and reason. HD affects over 30,000 Americans and places more than 200,000 “at-risk” for developing the disorder. In Northern California it is estimated at least 1,000 individuals are affected with more than an additional 7,000 at risk.

Persons with HD develop symptoms which include slurred speech, unsteady gait and handwriting, leading to uncontrollable body movements and eventual loss of mental facilities. Personality changes and depression often accompany the physical changes.

Every child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the HD gene, which is located on chromosome four. Although it usually affects adults between the ages 30 and 45, symptoms can appear in young children and older adults.

The course of illness usually appears in three stages. In the early stages of the disease, manifestations include subtle changes in coordination, sometimes minor involuntary movements, difficulty thinking and reasoning, and often a depressed mood, anxiety or irritability.

In the middle stages, chorea movements may become more prominent. People start having difficulty swallowing and speaking clearly.

Late stage disease is characterized by immobility and requires major assistance in all activities of daily living.

Currently there is no known cure for HD. Current treatment is aimed only at controlling the symptoms of the disease. However, amazing progress is being made in the research fields of genetics and neurodegenerative disorders. Our scientists tell us that each day we grow closer to solving the HD puzzle and the future has never been more promising. With financial
support, the Huntington’s Disease Society of America can increase the pace of HD research, fund more researchers and speed the identification of effective therapies that will improve the lives of those affected by the disease.

It is important to remember that funding for this disease is actually funding for all neurological diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Because HD is the farthest along in neurological disease in regards to finding a cure, its research and successes directly benefit the progression of research in all the neurological diseases. Research is the only way we will ever find a cure for HD.

About the Huntington’s Disease Society of America

The Huntington’s Disease Society of   America   is the largest 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s Disease. Founded in 1968 by Marjorie Guthrie, wife of folk legend Woody Guthrie who lost his battle with HD, the Society works tirelessly to provide the family services, education, advocacy and research to provide help for today, hope for tomorrow to the more than 30,000 people diagnosed with HD in the   United States .  Notably, HDSA funds the HDSA Coalition for the Cure, a collaboration of 16 international researchers, as part of the HD Drug Research Pipeline, which develops potential therapies to treat and eventually cure HD; and HDSA also supports 21 Centers of Excellence at major medical facilities throughout the U.S., where people with HD and their families receive comprehensive medical, psychological and social services, in addition to physical and occupational therapy and genetic testing and counseling. The Society is comprised of 38 local chapters and affiliates across the country with its headquarters in New York City. Additionally, HDSA hosts more than 140 support groups for people with HD, their families, caregivers and people at-risk, and is the premiere resource on Huntington’s Disease for medical professionals and the general public.  To learn more about Huntington’s Disease and to get involved in HDSA, please visit   www.hdsa.org   or call 1-800-345-HDSA.