Treatment Options For Huntington's Disease

Huntington’s disease is a type of progressive brain disorder characterized by emotional problems, uncontrolled movements, and loss of cognitive function. The most common form is the adult-onset type. Over time patients can find it difficult to walk and talk, and after the symptoms begin, those with this type generally live for fifteen to twenty years. While uncommon, there is also a juvenile type that typically starts to show signs during adolescence. This type tends to progress faster compared to the adult type, with the average adolescent patient living ten to fifteen years after symptoms begin. This is a genetic disease inherited through an autosomal dominant pattern. There is no cure, unfortunately, but there are treatments to enhance the patient's quality of life. Get to know some of these now.

Medication For Movement

The different movement disorders that are common with Huntington’s can often be at least partially treated with different medications and are almost always coupled with either physical or occupational therapy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one specific medication, referred to as tetrabenazine, for the involuntary movements Huntington's causes. Certain antipsychotic medications may also aid patients in controlling these movements. For example, haloperidol has movement suppression as a side effect, so it could be beneficial for Huntington’s patients. Other antipsychotics that might be considered include quetiapine and risperidone. Patients prescribed antipsychotics are monitored closely since these drugs have the potential to worsen other types of disease-related movements, muscle rigidity, and dystonia. Other medications that might be prescribed to lessen the abnormal movements include levetiracetam, amantadine, and clonazepam.

Continue for more on treatment options for Huntington's disease.

Antidepressants

Psychiatric disorders are not uncommon with Huntington’s disease, and the most common disorder in this category that patients experience is depression. This can happen due to realizing their diagnosis, though experts believe it is more likely that injury to the brain is the cause of the depression when it is associated with Huntington's disease. Brain function also changes as the disease progresses, which may also be a contributing factor.

Antidepressants are often prescribed to patients who experience depression as a symptom of Huntington’s disease. The medicines most commonly given include citalopram, fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is also possible with Huntington’s disease, and these medications might also be prescribed as treatment. Patients taking these medications should be monitored, and their doctor might also recommend psychotherapy as a complement to antidepressants.

Continue reading to learn about more options when it comes to treating Huntington's disease.

Physical Therapy

Those with Huntington’s disease eventually need help working on their strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Physical therapy allows patients to learn about their muscles and how the disease is affecting them, which makes it easier for them to understand their needs concerning exercise. They will work with a physical therapist to create a fitness regimen that may help to keep them mobile for as long as possible. Enhancing the patient’s mobility is also important in reducing their risk of falling. Therapists also put a lot of emphasis on posture since poor posture often increases the severity of the disease-related movement problems patients tend to develop. As the patient’s movement issues and mobility change, their therapist will work with them to reevaluate the regimen and make the necessary changes, so this therapy continues to offer optimal benefits.

Keep going to understand more about the treatment options for Huntington's patients.

Speech Therapy

Huntington's disease affects both swallowing and speech, and the muscles in the throat and mouth are often significantly impaired. This causes issues with control that can make it hard for patients to speak and they may choke when trying to swallow. Thankfully, speech therapy can assist with these issues. A therapist works with patients to aid them in improving their speech, if it is possible. If not, therapists can also teach patients how to use communication devices, which includes various instruments, such as a board with pictures of regular activities and items. The patient would point to what they need to help them to communicate with loved ones. With swallowing, some exercises may help to improve the muscles involved in this function, which the therapist will help the patient to perform.

Continue reading to learn about another therapy with the ability to help Huntington's disease patients.

Occupational Therapy

The disordered movements with this condition can pose a significant risk of falls for patients. It can also make it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as bathing, eating, and getting dressed. Occupational therapy can address these issues, though it does involve the patient as well as those they live with who will be aiding them in completing their daily tasks. In addition to helping patients find alternative ways to attend to their activities of daily living, this type of therapist also aids with assistive devices. For example, patients having difficulty walking can be assisted in learning how to use a walker or a cane. They can also get help with and information regarding other devices, such as using handrails throughout the home that allow them to be safer when doing regular activities, such as bathing.