1. Pay Attention to Your Loved One's Condition
As of this writing, there is no treatment available that demonstrably slows down Huntington's disease. However, you can remain alert to potential complications in the disease and prevent death from attendant factors. Because the parameters of the disease can change, you should stay aware of your loved one's state and adjust any regimen to match the new conditions.
2. Watch for Weight Loss and Maintain a Proper Diet
Huntington's disease can drastically affect the metabolism, making the body burn up calories at a far faster pace. Someone with the disease may begin losing weight rapidly, requiring a shift in diet to maintain his body's strength. Weigh him regularly and develop a high-calorie diet that addresses his nutritional needs sufficiently. Be prepared to shift that if the disease changes his metabolism. Dehydration is a concern as well, so be sure your he drinks plenty of liquids. In later stages of Huntington's disease, swallowing becomes difficult and choking can be a concern. Monitor anyone with the disease during feeding times, cut food up into smaller chunks and puree it if necessary. If he cannot swallow, seek out the advice of a medical professional, as a feeding tube may be required.
3. Make Sure He Exercises
While exercising has not been conclusively proven to increase the life span of someone who has Huntington's disease, it can improve the quality of her life. More importantly, it increases her alertness and keeps her engaged in the world, while slowing the onset of some of the physical handicaps. A physical therapist can recommend certain specific exercises to improve balance and coordination as well as maintain muscle strength. Experts recommend that people with Huntington's disease continue to walk for as long as they can, even as motor functions become more difficult.
4. Provide a Safe Environment
Falls and accidents are a concern for people with Huntington's disease, as uncontrollable muscle spasms make movement difficult. Take steps to ensure that the environment around your loved one is safe. Remove sharp objects and pad any hard corners so that he doesn't fall on them. Avoid using utensils made of glass or similar breakable objects. Always ensure that your loved one has easy access to places where he needs to be, such as the bathroom, and get him to wear padded clothes or a helmet when he engages in any physical activity.
5. Invest in Speech Therapy
Communication between a patient with Huntington's disease and her caregiver is vital. Not only does it allow her to convey any needs or concerns to you, but it keeps her from becoming unduly isolated. Speech therapy can help offset the difficulties with muscle control and thought processes, as well as give you a better idea of what she is saying. Also, keep in mind that people with Huntington's disease can usually understand you, though they may not be able to respond. Talk to your loved one as normal, even if she isn't talking back.
