Today, approximately 30,000 Americans are living with Huntington’s Disease (HD). This inherited, progressively degenerative brain disorder usually strikes in a person’s 30s or 40s. Over a period of 10-25 years, HD destroys the person’s intellectual, physical, and emotional capabilities. In addition to the number of diagnosed HD patients in America, a staggering 200,000 more are at risk. Each child of an afflicted parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.
Presently, no cure exists for HD. A major breakthrough came in 1993 when researchers discovered the HD gene. Since then, research interest has increased. While nothing currently can stop or slow the progression of HD, medications and therapies exist that help in relieving or controlling many of its symptoms.