Huntington's disease
AHuntington's diseaseIt is a rare, progressive genetic disease.
It usually manifests itself in adulthood, although it can start much earlier depending on thegenetic mutation.
The disease manifests itself through motor symptoms (related to body movements), psychiatric symptoms and cognitive symptoms.
Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Dr. Gustavo in a photo during his presentation at an event that took place from November 25 to 27, 2021 in Florianópolis/SC, brought together leading specialists in the country to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases.
3rdPan American Congress de Dmovement disorders
Miami, Florida, USA
doctor Gustavo in a photo during his presentation at an event that took place on February 22 to 24, 2020,in Miami, USA, in which the highest authorities participated em distúrbios do movement, Brazil and the World.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
doctor Gustavo in a photo during his presentation at a congress that took place on August 16-17, 2019, in Buenos Aires, Argentina,where they discussed the diagnosis and treatment of Rare Diseases, with the world's leading specialists.
Youmotor symptomsmanifest themselves through:
Korea- This is the main symptom and greatest characteristic of the disease. So much so that until recently the disease was known as "Huntington's chorea".
Chorea is an involuntary movement of the limbs, trunk or face, which gives a restless appearance (patient cannot stay still), often appearing as if the patient is "dancing".
dystonia- It is a movement of muscle contraction, which causes the person to adopt abnormal postures, looking like he has "twisted" limbs.
ataxia- Represents the lack of balance and precision, both when walking and when picking up objects.
It is also commonmotor tics,parkinsonismIt iseye changes, mainly with slowness of eye movements.
Youpsychiatric symptomsmanifest themselves initially throughanxiety, depression or apathy, but it is common to evolve with aagitation, aggressiveness and psychosis.
The suicide rate in patients with the disease is 4 to 6 times higher, most likely due to symptoms related to psychotic conditions and other psychiatric disorders, requiring full attention from the doctor and family members.
Youcognitive symptoms can start through forgetting, but in general it occurs throughdysexecutive amendment, which is the loss or difficulty in performing tasks that requireplanning. These symptoms tend to progress, leading to ainsanitythroughout the course of the disease.
Huntington's disease can also affect young people, depending on the genetic mutation (the number of gene repetitions). In this case the symptoms tend to appear earlier, and so do the complications, hence the importance of a specialized neurologist with experience in treating patients with the disease.
Huntington's Disease Treatment
The treatment ofHuntington's diseasecan go through arevolutionin the coming years, no doubt. Because drugs directed to Gen Therapyethics seem to be the future, and many drugs are being used, without having something available for commercialization.
Current treatment is based on the treatment of the main symptoms, with attention to psychiatric disorders, speech, balance and swallowing disorders, which is why the great importance of monitoring with aspecialist neurologist, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychology.