Huntington Disease Dementia (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Huntington Disease Dementia Overview
- Huntington Disease Dementia Causes
- Huntington Disease Dementia Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Huntington Disease Dementia Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Huntington Disease - Describe Your Experience
Outlook
HD starts slowly but finally results in severe brain damage. People with the disease gradually lose cognitive functions, ability to carry out everyday activities, and ability to respond appropriately to their surroundings. They eventually become completely dependent on others for care. These losses cannot be stopped, but the speed with which they occur varies by person.
HD is considered to be a terminal disease. The actual cause of death usually is a physical illness such as pneumonia, heart failure, or respiratory failure. Such illnesses can be debilitating in a person who is already weakened by the effects of the disease. Injuries, choking, and suicide are other causes of death. On average, a person with HD lives about 15 years after the disease is diagnosed. Persons with the juvenile form of the disease rarely live to adulthood.
The disease affects every member of the family. Knowledge of the outcome creates a substantial emotional and psychological burden for affected persons and their family members.
A genetic test is available that predicts a person’s risk of developing HD. Because of the many issues that arise from a test that predicts the possibility of developing such a devastating disease, genetic counseling should always be provided before testing. A genetic counselor can acquaint an individual and family members with all the implications of testing.
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Viewer Comments & Reviews
Huntington Disease - Describe Your Experience
Please describe your experience with Huntington disease.
Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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Huntington Disease Dementia »
Huntington disease (HD) is a genetic, autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by disorders of movement, progressive dementia, and psychiatric and/or behavioral disturbance.
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