Huntington's Disease Basics
These Articles Give Vital Information about this Neurological Issue
Huntington's disease is genetic and progressive. Learn the basics about behavior issues, communicating, and patient safety with the following series of articles.
Huntington's disease, a genetic and degenerative disorder, robs patients of their motor skills, coordination, and emotional wellbeing. It is one of the lesser-known neurological illnesses, but it is not rare. It is as common as cystic fibrosis and hemophilia. This disease is incurable and the fatality rate is 100%, with a wide variance of disease progression among patients. The average life expectancy after disease onset is roughly 10 - 20 years. The following articles give information about living with Huntington's.
Learn the basics about Huntington's disease. Find out about the genetic link: Huntington's is passed on to offspring 50% of the time. Read about early and later disease symptoms, affecting cognitive functioning, motor skills, and emotions. What is going on in terms of Huntington's disease research? Learn about current support networks, genetic counseling, and the Huntington's Disease Society of America.
Huntington's Behavioral Issues
There are certain behavioral abnormalities specific to Huntington's. Learn what they are and how they impact the patient as well as the caretaker(s.) Find out which behaviors are primary, or caused directly by the disease, and which are triggered by the stress of having Huntington's. Find out about solutions to stop or decrease the severity of such behaviors.
Huntington's and Communicating
Frustration on both the patient's and caretaker's parts can happen when a Huntington's patient's speech is affected. Problems can also manifest when a patient's cognitive and motor skills make reading and writing a challenge. Learn strategies to help patients communicate and feel understood, thereby improving quality of life. Also find ways to continue communications when Huntington's has advanced.
What should caretakers do when Huntington's disease makes it difficult for a patient to safely get around the home? There are tricks and techniques for providing a safe household. Learn about kitchen, bathroom, and living area modifications. Find out ways to prevent Huntington's patients from wandering away from the home. Also discover safe types of locks so patients can't be locked out or lock themselves into the home.
Finally, there are challenges with bedding when a Huntington's patient becomes less mobile. Learn about methods to lower patients' sleeping quarters, ways to pad areas to reduce injury, and find out about types of hammock-style beds and other equipment to make life a little easier. Simple solutions involving rubber-bottomed slippers or rugs make a huge difference.
*****For related neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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