Huntington’s disease, previously known as Huntington’s chorea, is a genetic disorder that causes brain cells to gradually degenerate and die. This mainly happens with the cells in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and voluntary movement. This condition can result in typical signs like unintentional jerks or twisting motions known as chorea and alterations in thoughts, behavior, and personality. Read on to learn about the symptoms of the condition.

Symptoms of Huntington’s chorea
Symptoms of Huntington’s chorea include the following:

Physical symptoms
Chorea, characterized by quick, uncontrollable motions of the limbs, fingers, or facial muscles, is the most recognizable physical symptom. As the illness advances, it might go from mild to severe thrashing. Apart from chorea, rigidity of limbs, loss of balance, and fatigue are other physical symptoms an individual may experience. Moreover, one with Huntington’s disease may also experience a loss of fine motor coordination, making writing and other activities challenging. Loss of control over functions like speaking and swallowing are also common symptoms.

Cognitive symptoms
Trouble focusing, setting priorities, or organizing are some of the significant symptoms one experiences when dealing with the condition. One may also tend to get stuck on an action, thought, or behavior. Lack of impulse control, which can lead to emotional outbursts and impulsive behavior, is another common cognitive symptom of the condition. Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, people with Huntington’s disease may also not be aware of their actions and skills, may process ideas slowly, and have trouble expressing themselves.

Psychiatric symptoms
Depression is the most prevalent psychological condition linked to Huntington’s disease. However, depression is not a reaction to receiving a Huntington’s disease diagnosis. It occurs because of a brain injury, and the ensuing modifications in brain function are the cause of depression. Signs and symptoms could include:

• Feelings of sadness, apathy, or irritation
• Social disengagement
• Lack of sleep
• Exhaustion and low-energy
• Persistent suicidal thoughts

Other typical mental illnesses associated with Huntington’s include:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder : The ailment is characterized by frequent, bothersome thoughts and repetitive activities.
• Mania : This can result in hyperactivity, impulsive conduct, elevated mood, and inflated self-esteem.
• Bipolar disorder : This condition is characterized by recurrent periods of mania and depression.

Behavioral symptoms
Some of the most severe nerve damage in Huntington’s disease is found in one particular area of the brain known as the caudate nucleus, or simply the caudate. The caudate nucleus is a hub for information processing. Information from other regions of the brain is sorted and regulated here before being sent to the frontal lobes, which serve as the executive or command center for a variety of cognitive processes.

People suffering from the condition may find it challenging to multitask, prioritize, or arrange their tasks due to the disruption of information flow. Caudate damage can also make it difficult for a patient to regulate their emotions, which can lead to outbursts over seemingly insignificant things.

Conclusion
Huntington’s disease is an uncommon genetic illness that impairs the functional and cognitive abilities of the affected person. It can induce emotional instability, memory loss, and uncontrollable movements. An individual has a 50% chance of getting the illness if one or both of their parents have it.