Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. It is a genetic condition, which means it’s passed down through families. There is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease, but there are treatment medications available to help manage symptoms. Some of these include Austedo (Deutetrabenazine), Ingrezza (valbenazine), and other medications. In this article, we’ll explore five common symptoms of Huntington’s disease and how these treatment medications can help.
1. Uncontrolled movements
One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of Huntington’s disease is uncontrolled movements, also known as chorea. These can range from minor twitching to larger, more noticeable movements. They often affect the hands, feet, and face, but can occur anywhere in the body.
2. Cognitive changes
Cognitive changes are another common symptom of Huntington’s disease. These can include difficulties with problem-solving, memory loss, and a decreased ability to organize and plan. As the disease progresses, these cognitive changes can become more severe, affecting a person’s ability to work or carry out daily activities.
3. Emotional and psychiatric symptoms
Many people with Huntington’s disease also experience emotional and psychiatric symptoms. These can include depression, irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. In some cases, these symptoms may be the first sign of the disease, even before physical symptoms appear.
4. Difficulty swallowing and speaking
As Huntington’s disease progresses, it can cause difficulties with swallowing and speaking. This can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and an increased risk of choking. Speech may become slurred and difficult to understand.
5. Sleep disturbances
Many people with Huntington’s disease have trouble sleeping. They may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or may experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep disturbances can further exacerbate other symptoms of the disease, such as cognitive changes and mood disorders.
While these symptoms can be challenging, treatment medications like Austedo and Ingrezza can help manage them. Austedo (Deutetrabenazine) is used to treat the uncontrolled movements associated with Huntington’s disease. It works by reducing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that are overly active in people with this condition.
Ingrezza (valbenazine), on the other hand, is used to treat tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes uncontrolled movements, and can be used in people with Huntington’s disease who have this symptom. It works in a similar way to Austedo, by reducing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain.
In conclusion, while Huntington’s disease can cause a range of challenging symptoms, there are treatment medications available that can help manage these symptoms and improve quality of life. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice to get the necessary help and treatment.
