2011 Group Project 4
| Note - This page is an undergraduate science embryology student group project 2011. |
Huntington's Disease
Introduction
History
Pathogenesis and Genetics
Diagnostic Tests
Huntington’s Disease is most commonly diagnosed at the onset on symptoms, typically in the middle ages. The diagnosis is relatively simple in patients with typical symptoms. Diagnosis is important to ensure that this disease is not confused with similar diseases, which mimic similar characteristics [1]. These include tardive dyskinesia, chorea gravidarum, hyperthyroid chorea and Neuroacanthocytosis [2]. In children, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can easily be mistaken for Huntington’s disease as they both present with very similar clinical presentations [3]. Huntington’s disease can also be diagnosed when a patient is asymptomatic, by genetic testing. This also enables detection of the disease in embryos.
Clinical Manifestations
Treatment
There is no cure for Huntington's disease. Similar to AIDS, only the symptoms can be treated to slow down the progression of the disease.
Medications
- Movement disorders
- Psychiatric disorders
Therapies
- Psychotherapy
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Breakthroughs
Quite recently, there are a couple of breakthroughs for the treatment of Huntington's.
- Five siRNAs targeting three SNPs may provide therapy for three-quarters of Huntington's disease patients. [4]
- Using adult neurotrophic factor-secreting stem cells. [5]
Current/Future Research
External Links
Glossary
References
2011 Projects: Turner Syndrome | DiGeorge Syndrome | Klinefelter's Syndrome | Huntington's Disease | Fragile X Syndrome | Tetralogy of Fallot | Angelman Syndrome | Friedreich's Ataxia | Williams-Beuren Syndrome | Duchenne Muscular Dystrolphy | Cleft Palate and Lip
