Huntington's Disease is a hereditary neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain. It is a degenerative disease that progressively causes cells to deteriorate and day. The first signs of Huntington's Disease usually appears during middle age, but in some cases, the disease can show up in children and young adults. There is no known cure for Huntington's Disease. Because it is a progressively degenerative disease, most treatment plans are focused on treating the symptoms as they appear.
Medications
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and tranquilizers are prescribed to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with Huntington's disease. Emotional outbursts, depression, and obsessive compulsive behaviors are possible symptoms that can be treated with these medications. Because many of the drugs have severe side effects, physicians try to prescribe them in the lowest dosages possible to avoid reactions. According to the Mayo Clinic, tetrabenazine reduces involuntary or jerky movements associated with Huntington's disease.Tetrabenazine, brand name Xenazine, is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designed to treat specific symptoms of Huntington's disease.
Nutrition and Diet
Because Huntington's disease affects coordination and the movement of certain muscles, chewing and swallowing may gradually become affected. The risk of choking slowly increases as the disease progresses. It may take longer to finish meals. Foods may have to be cut into very small, bite-size pieces. Smaller, more frequent meals may need to be eaten to make sure that the patient gets adequate calories and nutrients throughout the day. Vitamin and mineral supplements may need to be added to ensure all the nutrients are received in appropriate amounts. According to the Neurology Channel, people with Huntington's disease require extra fluids to prevent dehydration. As the disease progresses, fluids may need to be thickened to the consistency of syrup to allow them to be swallowed without the risk of choking.
Exercise
Exercise and stretching will help muscles stay strong and flexible. As the disease progresses, exercising may become more difficult and assistance may be necessary. Walking and swimming are excellent forms of exercise that will not only strengthen the muscles, but will also help the cardiovascular system. Exercise is good for the body and the mind, releasing endorphins that promote general well-being and may prevent depression.
Social Interaction
According to the Neurology Channel, social interaction will allow those with Huntington's disease to stay active and participate in hobbies and other events. These activities are important in keeping the person's spirits up and avoiding loneliness and depression. Social interaction also will allow Huntington's disease patients to meet others with the same physical and emotional issues.
Speech and Occupational Therapy
As Huntington's disease progresses and begins to affect the movements of the face and mouth, speech therapy may be needed. It will strengthen the muscles and tissue and may impede the progression of the disease. The exercises involved with speech therapy may also help with chewing and swallowing, as well. Occupational therapy can be beneficial in keeping the body's fine motor skills working for as long as possible. Exercising the fingers, hands, arms, feet and legs may allow for longer periods of mobility and use, as the disease slowly progresses.
