HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA INC
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Mission Statement
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. HD is known as the quintessential family disease because every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of carrying the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 30,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease.
About This Cause
HDSA is the premier not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world's leader in providing help for today, hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. There is currently no cure for HD, but Huntington's disease research will also lead to cures and treatments for more well-known diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis & Alzheimer's. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 to 50, and worsen over a 10 to 25 year period. Ultimately, the weakened individual succumbs to pneumonia, heart failure or other complications. Everyone has the gene that causes HD, but only those that inherit the expansion of the gene will develop HD and perhaps pass it on to each of their children. Every person who inherits the expanded HD gene will eventually develop the disease. Over time, HD affects the individual’s ability to reason, walk and speak. Symptoms Include: -Personality changes, mood swings & depression -Forgetfulness & impaired judgment -Unsteady gait & involuntary movements (chorea) -Slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing & significant weight loss