1. Take Medication
Huntington's disease is currently irreversible, so most medications work to mitigate its symptoms. Doctors can prescribe neuroleptics or tranquilizers to help control involuntary movement. Antidepressants will blunt the edges of negative emotions, and antipsychotic drugs will stem the worst of the dementia and hallucinations. The particular medication depends on what stage of the disease you are in and which symptoms are most in need of being addressed. Never take medication without a doctor's prescription and avoid mixing medications unless a physician has thoroughly vetted all possible contraindications.
2. Eat and Drink Properly
It sounds obvious, but proper eating and hydration are critical in treating Huntington's disease. The condition drastically alters your metabolism, causing you to burn many more calories a day than normal. A high-calorie diet may be necessary to help you keep up your strength. Dehydration is a concern as well, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Loss of muscle control can factor into eating and drinking, and in later stages of Huntington's disease, you may have difficulty swallowing. You can purchase plates and cutlery designed for those with physical disabilities, and plan additional time for meals if you need it. If swallowing is a concern, have the food pureed or cut into tiny pieces. You may also want to stay away from dairy products; they can cause excess mucus, which creates swallowing problems.
3. Look Into Physical Therapy
Exercise is an important way to stay positive and upbeat when coping with Huntington's disease. While there's no conclusive proof, many experts believe that regular exercise can help slow the progress of the condition as well. Beyond that, specific physical therapy exercises can address balance and motor control challenges, build muscle strength and help encourage flexibility.
4. Discuss Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps to prepare you for the challenges that come with Huntington's disease. This therapy can provide suggestions to improve safety around the home, deal with assistance issues and get equipment that can allow you to live as independently as possible. Incontinence may be a problem for those suffering from Huntington's disease, which means that laundering and waste disposal services should be considered. Because seating can be difficult, look into chairs that can provide adequate support. Other considerations such as stairs and ease of access to various parts of the home can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. An occupational therapist can provide an assessment of the home and recommendations for particular changes and equipment.
5. Enroll in Speech Therapy
Huntington's disease can have a huge impact on speech patterns. Physically, the loss of motor control makes speech increasingly difficult, while affected mental processes can result in short-term memory loss and an inability to remember specific words. Speech therapy can help address those concerns. In addition, it pays to gently remind those around you that you can still understand their words, even if you have difficulty formulating a reply sometimes. Ask them to continue to talk to you, and have them keep communication with you as routine as they can.
