What is Huntington’s Disease (HD)?
It is an inherited progressive neurological condition caused by a defective gene on Chromosome Four.
Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. It does not skip a generation.
It affects both males and females equally and people of all races.
There is, as yet, no cure but much can be done to help the person with HD.
Symptoms may begin at any time, but usually appear between the ages of 30-50.
The duration of the disease varies with each person, often progressing over a period of 15-25 years.
In March 1993, researches identified the gene that is responsible for the condition and predictive testing is now possible from the age of 18.
HD creates a ripple effect because multiple generations of the same family are likely to experience the disease. Therefore, for every 10 people in NZ with the disorder, there are 1000 people who are directly affected by it.
HD is referred to as the disease of families/whanau. In many families, more than one member may have HD at the same time and many members are at risk of developing the disease. Every member is affected emotionally, financially and socially and all family members need support, advice & care.