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Huntington’s Disease - How Does It Transform a Person?

  • Writer: Trishna Sinha
    Trishna Sinha
  • Aug 15
  • 2 min read

With Huntington’s disease (HD) diagnosed frequently in people past the age of 30, you might believeit is a disease that can be contracted in many ways throughout a lifetime. However, acquiring this disease is different than you may think. 

HD is a disorder that can solely be obtained genetically, meaning the mutated gene has to either be passed down from the parent cell and inherited, or it has to be mutated in the daughter cell. Specifically, HD stems from the expansion of a DNA segment, called the CAG trinucleotide repeat. In the normal gene, there would be around 10 to 15 repetitions of the three nucleotide bases – Cytosine, Adenine, and Guanine – which are building blocks of DNA.However, in the mutated genes of those who have Huntington’s, the number of repetitions increases to around 36 to 120. As a result of more of these CAG segments, cells produce an increased amount of Huntingtin protein, which is then divided into smaller, toxic fragments. These fragments join together again, this time disturbing healthy neurons to cause dysfunction and even neuronal decay. These actions can severely affect various abilities: movements, ability to think, and mental health.

HD symptoms usually appear when one is in their 30s or 40s, butthey can still develop at any age. HD symptoms developing before 20 indicates a faster progression of the disorder, calledJuvenile Huntington’s disease. Generally, Juvenile Huntington’s disease is associated with having more CAG repetitions in the mutated gene. Both Juvenile HD and HD share similar symptoms, one of the most noticeable being changes in mental health. Damage in the brain and change in brain function caused by excess Huntingtin proteins leads to irritability, apathy, suicidal thoughts, loss of energy, social withdrawal, and many more behavioral changes. Changes in behavior often also indicate that cognitive conditions and movement disorders will start to appear. These symptoms can start to increase in severity as more neurodegeneration occurs.

Unfortunately, though there are medicines that can lessen symptoms, there is no treatment for HD if the DNA of the daughter cell contains the mutated gene. However, there are genetic tests and family planning options for people with a family history of HD to find out if it is possible to pass the Huntington gene off to their children. In order to treat mental health related symptoms, an environment without stress can help. Strategiessuch as breaking down large tasks into smaller, more achievable steps, or using schedules to keep a regular and fixed routine can go a long way to treating symptoms of Huntington’s disease.


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