HUNTINGTON’S

DISEASE
Presented by:
REYES, CHRISTINE MAE L.
ROTIA, HONEY GRACE A.
 Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that causes
brain cells to slowly lose function and die. It affects the cells in
parts of your brain that regulate voluntary movement and memory.
Common symptoms include uncontrollable movements and
changes to your thinking, behavior and personality. It’s a
progressive condition that gets worse over time.
CAUSE OF HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

• A genetic change (mutation) of the HTT gene causes Huntington’s

disease. The HTT gene makes a protein called huntingtin. This
protein helps your nerve cells (neurons) function.
SYMPTOMS OF HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

Physical Symptoms Mental and Emotional Symptoms

• Uncontrolled movements like jerking and • Emotional changes mood swings,

twitching (chorea) depression and irritability
• Loss of coordination (ataxia) • Problems with memory, focus, and
• Trouble walking multitasking

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) • Trouble learning new information

• Slurred speech • Difficulty making decisions and reasoning

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Physical exam
• Neurological exam
• Blood tests- Genetic testing
• Imaging tests (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed
tomography (CT) scan).
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

• Physical therapy or occupational therapy To treat chorea, common medications

• Speech therapy include:

• Counseling • Tetrabenazine (Xenazine®)

• Medications • Deutetrabenazine (Austedo®)

• Haloperidol (Haldol®)
To manage emotional symptoms, your healthcare provider may
recommend:

• Antidepressants like fluoxetine and sertraline.

• Antipsychotic medications like risperidone and olanzapine.
• Mood-stabilizing medications like lithium.
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
1. Prevent injury and possible skin breakdown
―Pad the sides and head of the bed
―Keep the skin meticulously clean
―Encourage ambulation with assistance to maintain muscle tone
―Secure the patient in bed or chair with padded protective devices making sure they are loosened
frequently.

2. Keep patient as close to upright as possible while feeding. Stabilize patient’s head gently with one
hand while feeding.
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
3. The nurse needs to educate and support the patient and family as they adjust to
the lifestyle changes that are required.

4. The actions and potential side effects of medication regimen need to be taught,
monitored and adjusted to the desired patient response.

5. Regular moderate exercise can reduce stiffness and tremors.

6. As the disease progresses, the patient and family will require more assistance
with activities of daily living, emotional support, and potential financial
concerns.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• There is destruction of cells in the caudate nucleus and putamen areas of
the basal ganglia and extrapyramidal motor system.
• The neurotransmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Ach are
decreased.
• Dopamine is not affected, but the decrease of Ach cause relative increase
of dopamine in the basal ganglia.
• The excess dopamine causes uncontrolled movement in Huntington’s
chorea.
End… thank you!