Picture of Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a genetic condition that causes progressive degeneration of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms tend to appear when a patient is in their 30s or 40s. People who have the condition live an average of 15 more years after diagnosis. The first symptoms to appear may include anxiety, depression, and irritability. Eventually patients develop involuntary muscle movements, gait difficulties, weakness, clumsiness, and severe dementia. Psychotic behavior may also result. Children of people who have Huntington's disease have a 50% chance of developing the condition.