An inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing abnormal involuntary movements (chorea), psychotic symptoms, cognitive decline and dementia

Autosomal dominant trinucleotide repeat disorder due to mutation in Huntingtin gene on short arm of chromosome 4

Early Symptoms: Personality changes, memory deficits, decreased executive skills 

and slowing of saccadic eye movements. 

Later Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, irritability, aggression, obsessive-

compulsive behavior, falls, speech and swallowing issues.

Bloods: Genetic counseling for patient and family

Imaging: MRI brain may show atrophy of caudate lobe

Chorea: Tetrabenazine.

Depression: Antipsychotics/SSRIs/benzodiazepines

Dysphagia: Modified diet, PEG feeding

MDT Approach: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, SALT and family input

Average survival after onset of symptoms is around 20 years.

Pneumonia, cardiac disease and suicide