Life Expectancy for Huntington's Disease: What You Need to Know
What is Huntington's Disease?
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that affects a person's movements, thinking ability, and mental health.
How is Huntington's Disease Inherited?
HD is an inherited condition, meaning it is passed down from parents to children through genes. A person with HD has a 50% chance of passing the disease on to each of their children.
Life Expectancy for Huntington's Disease
The life expectancy for people with HD varies depending on the individual. However, the average life expectancy is 15 to 20 years after symptoms begin.
The preclinical or prodromal stage of HD can last for 20 years or longer. During this stage, a person may not have any physical symptoms. However, they may experience subtle changes in their thinking or behavior.
Once the physical symptoms of HD begin, the disease progresses over time. The symptoms become more severe and disabling, and the person may require assistance with daily activities.
There is no cure for HD, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments can improve a person's quality of life and help them to live longer.
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