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Prognosis
The person with Huntington disease may be able to maintain a job for several years after diagnosis, despite the increase in disability. Loss of cognitive functions and increase in motor and behavioral symptoms eventually prevent the person with HD from continuing employment. Ultimately, severe motor symptoms prevent mobility. Death usually occurs 15–20 years after disease onset. Progressive weakness of respiratory and swallowing muscles leads to increased risk of respiratory infection and choking, the most common causes of death. Future research in this area is currently focusing on nerve cell transplantation.
BOOK
Watts, R. L., and W. C. Koller, eds. Movement Disorders. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.
ORGANIZATION
Huntington Disease Society of America. 140 W. 22nd St. New York, NY 10011. (800) 345-HDSA.
Laith F. Gulli, MD
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Author Info: Laith F. Gulli MD, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I, 2002 |
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