#130, Terminal
Huntington's disease (HD) is a terminal disease that is passed down from parents to their children. Those affected by HD have a 50% chance of passing it when they have a child. HD kills nerve cells in the brain which has dramatic consequences on the rest of the body. Those affected have difficulty with movement, thinking, and controlling their emotions. Twitches will develop and worsen until basic movement such as walking becomes difficult. Concentration and memory begin to fail and basic conversation becomes difficult. Depression is a common symptom as are mood swings. Symptoms of HD typically don't begin to show until around 30 years of age, but once they do, life expectancy is about 20 years.
terminal adj. (of a disease) predicted to lead to death, especially slowly; incurable
In 1993, after researchers identified the HD gene, a test was developed that was able to identify the HD gene in humans at any age. This test allowed people to find out if they had HD. It allowed them to find out if they would die at an early age.
To complete this Journal response,
- People with HD live a perfectly normal life until symptoms begin to show in their 30s. Some people, therefore, prefer not to know if they have HD while others would prefer to have this knowledge. If your parents had HD, would you take the test? Why?
- HD is typically found in the West, not in the East.
- Comment on a peer's response.
-Brenden Lee Teacher