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Huntington Disease Dementia (cont.)

Medical Treatment

No known treatment improves cognitive deficits in HD. Emotional and behavioral disorders, especially depression, mania, and psychosis, may improve with medication. Medication controls symptoms, but it does not cure the underlying disease.

Depression is very common in people with HD. Medication can relieve depression symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life.

Psychosis is probably the most disruptive mental problem in HD. Psychotic symptoms are distressing to the affected person and to loved ones. Treatment can help increase the comfort and safety of the affected person, family members, and caregivers. Medication is definitely indicated if the person’s agitation, combativeness, or violent behavior becomes a danger to self or others.



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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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