Signs and Symptoms.
Huntington’s Disease (HD) can be looked at as a disease made up of three disorders - a movement disorder, a cognitive (thinking) disorder and an emotional disorder. The following symptoms may develop although each individual with HD is different and has complex, unique needs.
Involuntary movements are likely and problems with balance may result in falls.
The muscles of speech are affected, words becoming slurred and speech becomes slow. Difficulty with communication increases as the condition progresses.
Chewing and swallowing become increasingly difficult resulting in the need to adapt diets to prevent choking.
Weight loss may be experienced and the person is often hungry - more calories are needed.
Difficulty with planning, organising and completing tasks and it may be difficult to change easily from one activity to another. Attempting to do two tasks at the same time often proves difficult. They often have difficulty initiating an activity and may lack motivation.
Inflexibility, lack of judgement, concentration and short term memory loss. Decision making may be impaired.
Emotional changes with mood swings, periods of anger, irritability, obsession and irrational behaviour. They may suffer from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations and periods of delusion.