Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of HD are wide-ranging and can vary from person to person. Generally, symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses. Some common symptoms are listed below.
Physical symptoms
- Rapid, involuntary movements of the fingers, limbs, and facial muscles (chorea); this varies in severity from mild twitching to more severe thrashing as the disease progresses.
- Rapid movement of the eye used to focus from one object to another (reduced saccadic motion of the eyes)
- Loss of motor coordination and fine motor movements (e.g., difficulty writing)
Cognitive effects
- Reduced short-term memory
- Concentration impairment
- Difficulty with communication( e.g., slow, slurred speech; difficulty in finding words; disorganized speech and sentence construction)
Behavioral/personality changes
- Change in personal hygiene and habits
- Unusually anxious behaviour
- Irritability and aggression
- Depression, particularly in later stages
- Paranoia
- Dementia
A number of complications can arise in late-stage HD, including:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) resulting in weight loss and increased risk of choking
- Increased risk of respiratory disease such as pneumonia
- Incontinence and other urinary tract problems (e.g., infections)
- Falls and difficulty walking requiring the use of assist devices such as wheelchairs
Children with juvenile-onset HD have rigidity, slow movements, and tremors that are similar to symptoms of Parkinson disease.
