Cognitive/ Emotional problems in Huntington's disease patients can cause behavioral issues for caretakers. Some techniques can help the situation.
Dementia
Because the brain is affected by Huntington's disease, certain emotional/cognitive areas can be affected in the patient. One of the most common neurological problems is dementia. The type displayed in HD patients is called "sub-cortical", which impairs the person's ability to perform a series of tasks, particularly when distracted. Remedies for this problem include removing distractions, allowing patients to do tasks they like and can do, modifying harder tasks, and giving explicit verbal or written instructions.
Aggression
Aggression and/or irritability stems from the Huntington's patient losing his or her ability to control emotions, and therefore responses. Patients react in childlike anger at being denied what they want, starting a behavioral pattern that caretakers must remedy. Giving in to demands teaches the patient to be inappropriate to get what they want. On the other hand, constantly reprimanding the patient tends to make him or her belligerent because they become defensive. Focusing on and teaching positive behavior can help the situation. Severe aggression might need to be remedied by a professional, such as a psychiatrist. Medication may be needed as well.
Depression
Depression is another common problem with Huntington's disease. This can be organic or stem from the anxiety and isolation of having a degenerative disease. Signs include withdrawl, apathy, mood swings, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Patients can be helped at home by engaging in regular exercise, activities outside of the home, social interactions with others, and being exposed to sunlight, especially during the gray winter months. If these techniques are not effective, psychotherapy and possibly medication might be needed, as depression can be sufficiently treated and need not be suffered through.
Related articles:Huntington's Disease Overview, Huntington's and Home Safety, Huntington's and Communicating, and Huntington's and Safe Bedding.
For other neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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