The Cognitive Changes Associated with Huntington's disease
Are there treatments available for the cognitive symptoms of HD?
At the time of this writing (April 2003), there is no cure for the cognitive symptoms of HD or the disease itself. The cognitive symptoms of HD are due to the damage of neurons and neural connections in the brain, which at this time are considered irreversible. However, scientists and researchers continue to investigate the brain’s ability to produce new neurons as well as its ability to form new connections between neurons. For more information about the brain’s natural reparatory ability, click here.
Fortunately, there are a number of strategies for coping with and enhancing cognitive abilities impaired by HD. For example, maintaining a calm, predictable environment and establishing routines can improve organization and planning as well as minimize the occurrence of emotional outbursts. A predictable, routine environment enables a person suffering from the cognitive symptoms of HD to organize daily tasks and adhere to that schedule, resulting in fewer organizational or planning problems. There are a number of resources that provide strategies for improving the cognitive symptoms of HD. If you are interested in learning more about these strategies, click here.
Although there are strategies and treatments that can improve the physical, behavioral and cognitive symptoms of HD, there are currently no treatments available that slow down the progression of HD. However, research continues with the growing hope of discovering effective treatments as well as a cure for HD. For more information on potential treatments for HD, click here.
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-K.Hammond 3-29-03
For further reading:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Huntington’s Disease. http://www.asha.org/speech/disabilities/Huntington-Disease.cfm Much like a brochure, this resource explains many of the communication and swallowing problems that may occur as a result of HD. It also lists ways in which a speech-language pathologist can help minimize difficulties.
Australian Huntington’s Disease Association. Information – Huntington’s Disease http://www.ahda.asn.au/content/pages/page.asp?iPage=5 This website provides basic information about HD as well as support for individuals with HD and their families.
Huntington’s Disease Association. Fact Sheet 10. Behavioral Problems in Huntington’s Disease. http://www.hda.org.uk/charity/download.html This clearly-written Fact Sheet is just one of the many informative and helpful Fact Sheets available at this site.
Paulsen, Jane S. “Understanding Behavioral Changes in HD: The Neuropsychology of HD and Strategies for Intervention.” International Huntington Association, 2002. http://www.huntington-assoc.com/jane.html
Paulsen, J. “Understanding Behavior in Huntington’s Disease” (2nd ed.). Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Inc, 1999. This is an easy to read and extremely informative resource with the purpose of providing practical and helpful information about the behavioral as well as cognitive symptoms of HD.
Rosenblatt, A., Ranen, G., Nance, M. & Paulsen, J. “A Physician’s Guide to the Management of Huntington’s Disease.” (2nd ed.) Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Inc., 1999. This is a guide specifically for physicians. It explains the symptoms of Huntington’s Disease and methods for providing optimal management of the symptoms.
South Shore Neurologic Associates (SSNA). HD: Cognitive Disorders. http://www.southshoreneurologic.com/move-dis/hd/hd-cognitivedisdr.html The aim of this site is to provide information and support for individuals with neurological disorders. While there is a substantial amount of information on HD, the information itself isn’t well-organized. However, this site is still a valuable resource for those affected by HD.
Last Modified: 1-28-04
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