Hungtington's Disease

It is due to an autosomal dominant allele on chromosome 4. Affected individuals are almost certainly heterozygous for the defective gene. the disease is extremely rare (5 cases per 100,000 live births). Appearance of the symptoms is usually delayed until the age of 40-50 years, by which stage the affected person - unaware fo the presence of the disease - may have passed the dominant allele to one or more of his or her children.

The disease takes the form of progressive mental deterioration, which is accompanied by involuntary muscle movements (twisting, grimacing and staring in fear). There is no known treatment.


Use Chinese
(06.08.2008)