Research Paper on:
Overview of Huntington's Disease

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
patient is completely dependent upon others for all care. Death usually occurs as a result of choking, heart failure and/or infection (Huntingtons Disease Society of America, 2000). Huntingtons typically appears  between the ages of 30 and 45 but onset has been found in both the very young child and the older person. Diagnosis has been made as early as age  2 and as late as age 80 (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2000). When children develop the disease, they seldom live until adulthood. Children of a parent who has Huntingtons have a  50-50 chance of inheriting the gene and everyone who carries this particular gene will get Huntingtons (Huntingtons Disease Society of America, 2000). Huntingtons affects three specific areas:  1. Chorea: the loss of motor control results in quick, jerking movements of the body, head and limbs. Often, the victim appears to be drunk when they walk. The  patient sustains multiple injuries as their limbs hit against other objects. 2. Poor short-term memory and judgment. Mental skills decline progressively leaving the patient with little memory and lacking ability  to think and reason. 3. Depression, irritability and apathy. These symptoms are often exhibited before chorea begins. Some victims seem to be schizophrenic (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2000). Diagnosis is  made based on these factors: family history of the disease; the "presence of an extrapyramidal movement disorder, i.e., when nerve impulses are not properly transferred to the muscles"; and the  presence of different psychological conditions, such as depression. Diagnosis also involves a neurological examination (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2000). There is neither a treatment nor a cure for Huntingtons. There  are treatments to reduce some of the symptoms, however. For example, certain drugs can help to control the patients involuntary movements. Also, drugs can help the patient become more stable