6 Early Warning Signs of Huntington’s Disease
1.
Poor Coordination
At the onset of the Huntington’s disease, coordination issues may be so slight that
they are easily dismissed.
These changes may include compromised balance, clumsiness, stumbling while walking, or slight
difficulty with daily activities like driving.
As the disease progresses, however, these symptoms will worsen.
Feeding can also become a problem in later stages, as diminished coordination may cause
a person to spill or drop food.
2.
Involuntary Movements
In some cases, Huntington’s disease will initially manifest itself as small, uncontrollable
muscle movements.
In speaking with Prevention, Susan Perlman, MD, a neurologist and director of UCLA’s
Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence, says that the affected individual may not
be aware of these changes, and that is it often friends or family who will notice “fingers
always tapping or a twitch in the face.”
In the later stages of the disease, these small movements may evolve into more pronounced
jerking or twitching—a condition known as chorea.
3.
Depression
Depression among those with Huntington’s disease is very common.
In fact, the Mayo Clinic says it is the most common psychiatric disorder associated with
the disease.
But the source points out that the depression is not simply a reaction to a diagnosis.
Rather, it occurs “because of injury to the brain and subsequent changes in brain
function.”
This can lead to additional symptoms such as irritability, social withdrawal, insomnia
or fatigue.
4.
Short-Term Memory Loss
A person in the early stages of Huntington’s disease may also have trouble remembering
things.
Specifically, they may struggle with short-term memory lapses.
According to ImproveMemory.org, other memory issues include “poor judgment and decision
making skills, difficulties with problem solving abilities, and a short attention span that
can deteriorate over time.”
In some cases, individuals with Huntington’s disease will develop dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society says symptoms can include “difficulties with concentration,
planning and organisational skills.”
Unlike those with Alzheimer’s disease, however, Huntington’s disease patients that have
dementia will “continue to recognize people and places until the very late stages of the
illness.”
5.
Slight Lack of Emotion
As Huntington’s disease damages areas of the brain responsible for emotion, an early
symptom of the disorder is that a person may exhibit apathy—a lack of emotions.
Or, on the flip side, they may alternate emotions quite erratically, experiencing outbursts
of aggression, anger, excitement, or frustration.
As with the other symptoms, this emotional turmoil generally worsens as the disease progresses,
putting immense strain on personal relationships.
6.
Slowing or Stiffness
Early on, a person with Huntington’s disease may notice that their movements become slower,
or find that their muscles feel stiff on occasion.
As the disease worsens, so too may these symptoms.
Some individuals may develop dystonia, a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract
involuntarily or become rigid over time.
This can eventually lead to issues with posture, speech and swallowing.