What is HD?
What does HD stand for?
Huntington's Disease
What kind of movement problems occur in HD?
Involuntary jerking or fidgety movements
What gene is affected in HD?
The HTT gene
Can Huntington’s disease be cured?
No, it cannot be cured
type of cells damaged by Huntington's
Neurons
What system in the body does Huntington's affect?
The nervous system
One cognitive symptom of Huntington's
Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
What protein does the HTT gene make?
The huntingtin protein
What medications help with involuntary movements?
Haloperidol, tetrabenazine, and amantadine
What do neurons do?
Send and receive neurotransmitters and carry signals
Is Huntington’s disease inherited or acquired?
Inherited
Does Huntington's affect only movement?
No, it also affects mood, behavior, and cognition
How many CAG repeats lead to HD symptoms?
More than 40 repeats
Why is there no cure for HD?
It’s a genetic disorder that is always fatal
What happens when the brain can't send signals properly?
Difficulty moving and involuntary movements
What type of mutation causes Huntington’s disease?
Autosomal dominant mutation in the HTT gene
Why do symptoms like mood swings and depression happen?
Due to the HTT protein mutation affecting neuron function
What does a normal huntingtin protein do?
Helps with signaling, transport, binding, and cell protection
When are medications typically used for Huntington's?
In the middle to late stages to manage symptoms
What brain function is impaired in Huntington's?
Difficulty moving and involuntary movements
What happens to nerve cells in Huntington's?
They decay and deteriorate over time
What kind of care is needed in later stages of HD?
Full-time nursing care
Why is the mutant huntingtin protein harmful?
It aggregates and disrupts brain signaling and motor control
Two symptoms medications may help manage.
Involuntary movements and mood disorders
What is apoptosis, and how does Huntington's affect it?
It’s programmed cell death, and the mutant protein fails to prevent it