Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene, leading to the production of a faulty huntingtin protein. This protein causes the gradual breakdown of neurons in specific areas of the brain, particularly the basal ganglia and cortex.

HD affects movement, cognition, and behavior. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 30 and 50 and worsen over time. One of the hallmark features is chorea — involuntary, jerky movements — which is why the condition is sometimes referred to as Huntington’s chorea.

The progression of the disease is usually categorized into early, middle, and late stages, each requiring different levels of care and support.

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Goals of treatment

Since Huntington’s disease currently has no cure, the primary goals of treatment are to:

• Alleviate symptoms
• Slow progression (where possible)
• Improve quality of life
• Support emotional and mental well-being
• Help caregivers and families manage responsibilities

Effective care involves a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, psychiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers.

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Medication options

Several medications are used to manage the motor and psychiatric symptoms of Huntington’s disease.

1. Medications for chorea

• Tetrabenazine (Xenazine) and deutetrabenazine (Austedo) are approved by the FDA to treat chorea. They work by reducing dopamine activity in the brain.
• Side effects may include sedation, depression, and parkinsonism-like symptoms.

2. Antipsychotics

• Medications like haloperidol, olanzapine, or risperidone can help with both movement symptoms and psychiatric issues such as aggression or psychosis.
• These are used cautiously due to possible sedation and motor side effects.

3. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers

• SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine) are common choices for depression and anxiety.
• Valproic acid and carbamazepine may be used for mood swings or irritability.

Medication management should always be personalized and reviewed regularly as symptoms evolve.

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Non-pharmacological therapies

Medical treatments are only part of a holistic approach to Huntington’s care. Supportive therapies play a crucial role.

Physical therapy

Helps maintain mobility, balance, and strength, especially as coordination declines.

Occupational therapy

Assists with daily living tasks and may recommend tools to help with feeding, dressing, or writing.

Speech therapy

Supports communication and swallowing, especially as speech becomes slurred or difficult in later stages.

Nutrition counseling

Weight loss is common in HD due to increased energy expenditure from chorea and difficulty eating. Dietitians can help ensure adequate nutrition.

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Cognitive and emotional support

Cognitive decline in Huntington’s may present as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or poor judgment. Combined with emotional symptoms like depression, apathy, and irritability, this can be incredibly challenging.

Psychological counseling and support groups can help both patients and families cope. Family therapy and caregiver education are equally essential — HD impacts the entire household, not just the individual.

Online communities and foundations such as the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) offer valuable resources for navigating emotional and practical hurdles.

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Advanced care planning

Since HD is a progressive disease, early conversations about future care preferences are important. Consider discussing:

• Advance directives
• Legal guardianship
• Long-term care facilities or in-home care
• Financial planning and insurance

Although these conversations are difficult, planning ahead can ensure dignity and comfort in later stages — and reduce stress for caregivers.

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Emerging research and hope

Scientists are actively investigating disease-modifying therapies, including:

• Gene-silencing treatments: Trials of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), such as tominersen, aim to reduce the production of the toxic huntingtin protein.
• Stem cell therapy: Early-stage research is exploring how cell replacement might help repair damaged brain regions.
• CRISPR gene editing: Although not ready for clinical use, gene-editing tools could one day correct the HTT mutation at its source.

While these options are not yet cures, they signal hope for future generations and patients at earlier stages.

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Thinking further: planning beyond today

For some patients and families, the reality of Huntington’s progression prompts deeper reflection. If medicine can’t yet stop the disease, what other paths exist?

At Tomorrow.bio, we specialize in human cryopreservation — a process that preserves individuals at ultra-low temperatures after legal death, with the hope that future medical advances may allow for revival and treatment. Though not a cure, it represents a forward-looking opportunity for people facing terminal illnesses like HD.

Cryopreservation may not be right for everyone, but for those who want to explore its potential, we’re here to offer transparent, respectful guidance.

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About Tomorrow.bio

At Tomorrow.bio, we are dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation with the goal of giving people a second chance at life. As Europe’s leading human cryopreservation provider, we focus on rapid, high-quality standby, stabilization, and storage of terminal patients — preserving them until future medical technologies may allow revival and treatment.

Our mission is to make human cryopreservation a reliable and accessible option for everyone. We believe that no life should end because current medical capabilities fall short.

Our vision is a future where death is optional — where people have the freedom to choose long-term preservation in the face of terminal illness or fatal injury, and to awaken when medicine has caught up.

📧 Contact us at: hello@tomorrow.bio
🌐 Visit our website: www.tomorrow.bio
🤝 Schedule a call with our team: Book a call

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