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Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition where brain cells gradually lose their ability to work and eventually die. It mainly affects parts of the brain that control voluntary movements and memory.
There are two main types of Huntington’s disease:
The disease happens because of a change in a gene passed down from parent to child. If one parent has this gene, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. Symptoms usually begin in middle adulthood but can appear earlier or later.
Early signs may include small changes in coordination, mood swings or difficulty concentrating. As the disease progresses, people may experience uncontrollable movements, trouble speaking or swallowing, and problems with memory and thinking.
While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease yet, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Huntington’s disease is rare. It affects about 4 to 7 people per 100,000 worldwide. It is most common in people of European or Caucasian descent, with slightly higher rates in Europe and North America.
The disease is less common in Asia. Since Huntington’s is inherited, it’s more likely to occur in families where someone already has the condition. Each child of a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene.
Huntington’s disease causes a variety of symptoms that affect movement, thinking and mental health. These symptoms develop gradually and get worse over time. Knowing what to look for can help with early diagnosis and better management of the disease.
Huntington’s disease can cause involuntary movements—meaning movements you can’t control—and make it harder to move on purpose. One of the most common movement symptoms is chorea, which causes jerky, twisting motions in the arms, legs, face and tongue.
Over time, people with Huntington’s disease may also struggle with voluntary movements like walking, speaking or holding things steady. These changes can make everyday tasks more difficult and affect independence.
Other common movement symptoms include:
Loss of voluntary movement can have a bigger impact than the involuntary ones. It can make it harder to work, take care of yourself or communicate clearly with others.
Changes in mood and emotions are common with Huntington’s disease. These symptoms aren’t just reactions to the diagnosis—they’re caused by changes in the brain. Emotional changes can happen early and often need treatment and support.
Common emotional symptoms include:
Some people may also have obsessive thoughts or repeat the same behaviors. Others may go through mood swings or periods of very high energy and risky behavior. These changes can be treated with medication, counseling or both.
Huntington’s disease can affect how a person thinks, solves problems and remembers things. These changes often start slowly but get worse over time. They can make daily tasks harder and affect work, relationships and everyday routines.
Common thinking-related symptoms include:
These changes can feel frustrating, but understanding what’s happening can help you and your family get the right support.
When Huntington’s disease affects children or teens, it usually progresses faster and looks different than in adults. Symptoms often start with changes in mood, school performance or movement.
Early signs in kids and teens may include:
See your doctor if you are concerned that you or a loved one has symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease can take a long time to diagnose, so the sooner you seek help for your symptoms, the sooner you can find answers.
You should also see your doctor if one of your parents has Huntington’s disease, as that significantly raises your risk. Your doctor can discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing and connect you to a genetic counselor if you decide to proceed.
Huntington’s disease is caused by a change, or mutation, in a specific gene called the HTT gene. This gene normally makes a protein called huntingtin, which plays a role in brain cell function. In people with Huntington’s disease, the HTT gene has a repeated section of DNA that’s longer than normal. This leads to the production of a harmful version of the huntingtin protein.
Over time, the faulty protein builds up in certain areas of the brain, especially those that control movement, thinking and emotions. As the disease progresses, it causes brain cells to stop working properly and eventually die. This is what leads to the symptoms of Huntington’s disease.
Yes, Huntington’s disease is inherited. It’s passed from parent to child through a change in a single gene. If one parent has the gene, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. People who inherit the gene will develop the disease at some point in life, usually in adulthood. The gene mutation doesn’t skip generations.
If Huntington’s runs in your family, a genetic counselor can help you understand your risk and decide if genetic testing is right for you. Testing can give you important information for your health and future planning.
Huntington’s disease affects your physical, mental and emotional health. In later stages, most people can no longer work or manage daily tasks on their own and need full-time care.
The disease can also lead to serious health problems, some of which can be life-threatening.
Common complications include:
If you or a loved one shows signs of Huntington’s disease, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward planning care and managing symptoms. Diagnosing the condition involves a combination of medical history, physical and neurological exams, brain imaging and genetic testing. Early symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, so a thorough evaluation is important.
Diagnosing Huntington’s disease often starts with a detailed conversation about your personal and family history. Your doctor will ask if you’ve had any changes in movement, mood or thinking, and whether anyone in your family has been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease or had similar symptoms. Since Huntington’s is inherited, a family history can be an important clue.
After reviewing your history, your doctor will perform several types of exams to better understand how the disease may be affecting you. These include:
These evaluations help your care team determine whether your symptoms are likely caused by Huntington’s disease or another condition. In some cases, additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors may order brain imaging tests to look for changes that suggest Huntington’s disease. While these tests can’t confirm the disease on their own, they help rule out other conditions and show how the brain is changing over time.
Genetic testing is the only way to confirm Huntington’s disease. It checks for a specific change in the HTT gene, which causes the disease. This is done using a simple blood test.
If you already have symptoms, a positive test confirms the diagnosis. If you don’t have symptoms but have a family history, you can choose predictive testing to learn whether you carry the gene. This can help with life planning, family decisions and emotional preparation. However, choosing to get tested is a personal decision, and many people find it helpful to talk with a genetic counselor first.
Genetic counseling gives you support before and after testing. A counselor can help you:
If one or both parents carry the gene for Huntington’s disease, prenatal testing may be an option. This type of testing can tell whether a fetus has inherited the gene mutation that causes Huntington’s.
There are two main types of prenatal testing:
Some parents may also consider preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) during in vitro fertilization (IVF). This allows embryos without the Huntington’s gene to be selected before pregnancy.
Prenatal testing is a personal decision. A genetic counselor can help you and your partner explore all options, understand the testing process, and think through what results might mean for your family.
There is no cure for Huntington’s disease, but there are many ways to help manage symptoms and support your well-being. Because Huntington’s affects each person differently and changes over time, your healthcare team will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment often includes therapy, medication, counseling and special care to keep you comfortable and safe.
Researchers are studying new ways to treat Huntington’s disease. You or your loved one might qualify for a clinical trial, so ask your doctor about open trials if you’re interested in new or experimental treatments.
Medicines can help control symptoms related to movement, mood and behavior. Because some medicines can cause side effects, your doctor will prescribe them carefully and adjust treatment as needed.
Common medications include:
Your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help with irritability, sleep problems or muscle stiffness based on your symptoms.
Therapy can help you stay active, improve your skills and maintain independence as long as possible.
Huntington’s disease affects more than just the body—it can take an emotional toll on you and your family. Counseling provides support to help you cope with the challenges.
Talking with a mental health professional can improve your overall well-being and help you face the disease with strength.
Palliative care is specialized care that focuses on comfort, symptom management and quality of life. It is helpful at any stage of Huntington’s disease, not just near the end of life.
Starting palliative care early can improve comfort, help manage symptoms better and support both you and your family along the journey.
At Baylor Scott & White, we have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with access to expert care. Our neurology specialized centers are designed to meet the unique needs of people who have been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or ongoing support, our teams are here to help you.
