Huntington's: Brain Cells Die, No Cure Yet

Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating inherited neurological disorder characterized by the gradual breakdown and death of nerve cells in specific brain regions. This condition stems from an abnormality in the HTT gene, which contains an excessive number of CAG repeats, leading to the production of a malformed huntingtin protein that damages brain cells.

The symptoms of Huntington's disease manifest in three primary areas: movement, cognition, and behavior. Movement disorders often include chorea, involuntary dance-like motions, while cognitive impairments can affect concentration, decision-making, and memory. Behavioral changes may involve mood swings, depression, and irritability.

Diagnosis involves a combination of symptom assessment, family history, neurological examination, and definitive genetic testing to count CAG repeats. While there is no cure, treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Researchers are exploring novel therapies and advanced imaging techniques like Sandi MRI to better understand and track disease progression.