Huntington Disease - History, Symptoms, Genetic Defect Responsible For Disease, The Quest For The Huntington Disease Gene

Huntington disease is a rare, incurable genetic disease that results in the progressive degeneration of both physical and mental abilities. Huntington disease was formly known as Huntington chorea since the most obvious symptoms involve uncontrollable body movements known as chorea. As the disease progresses, its symptoms worsen and patients eventually die of respiratory failure or complications related to the neurodegenerative progression of the disease. Huntington disease is a late onset disorder, where affected individuals usually become symptomatic after 40 years of age. A genetic test for the disease is available, and its use brings to the forefront ethical and social issues related to the clinical diagnosis, particularly in the absence of a cure.