Huntington’s Disease

Abstract

Huntington’s disease is also called Huntington's chorea, chorea major or HD is a genetic neurological disorder characterised by jerky movements, incoordination, and decline in mental abilities. The disorder is named after George Huntington, an American physician who published description in 1872. Globally 7 in 100,000 will present this disease and occurs in mid 40’s. The Huntingtin gene (HTT) provides information to produce Huntingtin protein, when affected, produces mutant Huntingtin (mHTT). Huntington’s disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. DNA replication does not produce an exact copy of itself. Conclusion: Huntington’s disease is characterised by chronic progressive chorea and mental deterioration terminating in dementia. The gene causing the disorder is dominant and may therefore be inherited from a single parent.