Huntington's is a rare inherited neurodegenerative disease affecting children and adults. A gene in DNA causes this effect in chromosome 4, which every human receives from their mother and father. When there are abnormal chemical codes in chromosome 4, it slowly affects the brain, primarily targeting the basal ganglia. This causes physical and mental complications, such as uncontrollable body jerks (chorea), muscle rigidness, posture and balance problems, anxiety, depression, and memory loss. Because HD symptoms are diverse, many people describe it as a combination of Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease).
If you have a parent with Huntington's Disease, you have a 50% chance of developing the disease; a blood test is needed to diagnose it properly. Unfortunately, blood tests can also be inconclusive, so further testing is sometimes required.
Cases in children are very rare. Unfortunately, when symptoms develop in children, the average life span is ten years.
Most cases of Huntington's Disease are in adults, and symptoms typically start showing in the age range of 30-40 years old. The phases are separated into five stages.
Stage 1: Preclinical / Early
Stage 2: Early Intermediate
Stage 3: Late Intermediate
Stage 4: Early Advanced
Stage 5: Advanced
As stages progress, everyday tasks we take for granted, like walking, eating, and talking, become more difficult. A common hazard for HD patients is choking, and falling. This requires living assistance, like a family guardian, personal nurse, or other monitored care. Home modifications are typically required for safety, such as chair lifts, and wheelchairs, and for more severe stages, motion-detection cameras, adult diapers, and safe enrichment activities.
This disease is heavy-hearted on the family, and many relatives can experience guilt, depression, and complex ways of coping with the news of this hereditary disease. Unfortunately, there is also possible discrimination that comes with this diagnosis, and sometimes patient abuse.
Huntington's Disease requires a lot of attention, supplies, treatments, and monitoring. Now that you know more about HD- you can help us be part of the journey to a cure!
Currently, there is no cure for Huntington's Disease. Funding is difficult because it is such a rare genetic disease, difficult to diagnose, and it doesn't get the focus it deserves!
Let's be part of the journey to find a cure to save our loved ones.
Magical Crypto Girls is donating to the Huntington's Disease Society of America!
Mental health is essential. If you ever have a gut feeling that something might be wrong or need some help, do the right thing and seek professional guidance.
Taking care of your mind and body is the right thing to do, and you should never feel bad for doing so!
Here is a list of resources if you need guidance:
General Mental Health
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/individuals/index.htm
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
Huntington's Support Group
https://hdsa.org/find-help/community-social-support/hdsa-support-groups/
Huntington's Health Care
https://hdsa.org/healthcare-professionals-resources/
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