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Common warning signs of Huntington’s disease

Common warning signs of Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease, also known as Huntington’s chorea, belongs to the group of neurodegenerative disorders that cause the progressive degeneration of the brain’s nerve cells. It is an inherited disease that can affect various aspects of an individual’s life, including physical movements, cognitive abilities, and emotions. There are two types of Huntington’s disease – Adult onset and Early onset – and there are many early warning signs that manifest differently for different people. Adult onset Early symptoms of Adult Onset Huntington’s include: Irritability Anxiety Difficulty in making decisions Mood swings Uncharacteristic clumsiness Unable to balance Restlessness Forgetfulness Memory issues Difficulty comprehending new information As time passes, symptoms may include: Muscle rigidity Mobility issues Cognitive decline Paranoia Breathing issues Involuntary twitching Trouble swallowing Early onset While Huntington’s itself is a rare condition, early onset of the disease is even less common, with symptoms usually starting to appear in childhood or adolescence. Also called Juvenile Onset Huntington’s Disease (JHD), it affects children and teenagers. Symptoms include: Drooling Clumsiness Changes in personality Slurred speech Rigid muscles Poor school performance that happens suddenly The progression rate of JHD is faster than adult onset HD. Huntington’s disease is caused by a defect in a single gene, marking it as an autosomal dominant disorder.
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8 ways to manage tardive dyskinesia

8 ways to manage tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary repetitive movements of specific body parts, most commonly the face. It is usually a side effect of specific treatments that trigger chemical changes in the brain, increasing dopamine sensitivity. Underlying diseases like diabetes and HIV may aggravate the symptoms. Besides seeking timely treatment, here are a few valuable ways to help manage tardive dyskinesia symptoms better in the long run. Manage comorbid conditions As mentioned, comorbid conditions like diabetes, HIV, and brain injury can aggravate the symptoms. Hence, patients should get tested for these diseases and manage them well. For example, those with tardive dyskinesia who are diagnosed with diabetes should control their sugar intake and check their blood glucose levels regularly. Determine the underlying cause Tardive dyskinesia is typically caused by a treatment course that blocks the brain’s dopamine receptors. One should consult a doctor to identify what treatment is causing the condition. Timely detection of the root cause can help one better manage the symptoms and heal from the condition. Avoid stress Many patients with tardive dyskinesia agree that controlling the symptoms is difficult under stressful conditions. Hence, one should identify and eliminate their stressors. For example, individuals in high-pressure jobs should switch to a less stressful or part-time job to reduce workload.
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