WHAT IS HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE
It is incurable.
It is always fatal.
It is hereditary
- each child of an affected parent has a 50/50 chance of developing the disease.
It affects both mind and body.
It usually develops in the prime of mid-life.
It destroys a person over a period of 10 to 25 years.
THERE IS NO CURE
Although drugs can give partial relief from some of the symptoms, they cannot prevent the development of the disease.
In 1993 scientists identified the gene which causes HD and work has now begun on seeking an effective treatment.
Progress is slow but it does give renewed hope to those families who are affected.
The discovery of the gene also means that there is now a test available for those who wish to know whether they are clear of the gene or whether they will, at some stage, develop the disease.