Behavioral Symptoms

The Behavioral Changes Associated with Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s Disease (HD), an inherited neurodegenerative disease, damages specific areas of the brain, resulting in movement difficulties as well as cognitive and behavioral changes. Behavioral changes are a characteristic feature of HD and are often the most distressing aspect of the condition for individuals and families dealing with HD. Although there is a great deal of variation in behavioral symptoms among individuals with HD, HD damages specific parts of the brain, resulting in specific and predictable behavioral changes. However, it is important to look at what may be triggering the behaviors in order to provide an environment that minimizes difficult behaviors, behaviors that disrupt the ability of the individual or caretaker to function effectively in a safe environment.

• What are some of the behavioral changes that occur in people with HD?
• What causes the changes in behavior?
• How do behavior changes vary throughout the course of HD?
• Will behavior changes occur in every person with HD?
• Do behavior changes represent the onset of HD in an at-risk individual?
• Are behavior changes treatable?

Last Modified: 1-01-03

An educational product of HOPES, not to be used in place of medical care. For more information about HOPES, click on the Logo. To contact HOPES with comments or questions, click here.