Causes
Huntington's is passed from parent to child. If one parent carries the gene mutation, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Because it is genetic, the disease can shape the future of an entire family.
What is Huntington's?
A simple explanation of a devastating disease.
Huntington's disease is an inherited brain disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene. Over time, it damages nerve cells and affects movement, memory, judgment, mood, and independence.
Impact
HD affects the body and the mind at the same time. Families often face emotional strain, caregiving responsibilities, uncertainty around genetic risk, and the long-term stress of watching symptoms progress.
Symptoms
How Huntington's can show up.
Movement changes
- Involuntary jerking or twitching
- Trouble with balance and coordination
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
Cognitive changes
- Problems planning or organizing
- Slower thinking and processing
- Memory and decision-making difficulties
Emotional changes
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability or mood swings
- Personality and behavior shifts
Why Education Matters
Awareness changes the experience for families.
When more people understand Huntington's, families have a better chance of being seen, supported, and taken seriously. Education also makes fundraising more meaningful because people understand the urgency behind the cause.