Huntington’s disease affects your thinking, behaviors and movements. Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 30 and 50, but the disease affects everyone differently.

Common Symptoms

Signs of Huntington’s disease include: 

• Coordination issues
• Difficulty walking
• Forgetfulness
• Inability to reason, think or make plans
• Mood or personality changes, such as irritability, anger or depression
• Slurred speech and swallowing problems
• Uncontrolled jerking or twitching (chorea)
• Unintended weight loss

People with Huntington’s disease inherit a changed (mutated) gene called the HTT gene. The gene change destroys nerve cells (neurons) in the brain that control movements, thinking and memory.

Gene Change

The mutated HTT gene affects a protein called huntingtin that typically supports nerve cell function. Abnormal proteins form and destroy neurons. A parent with Huntington’s disease has a 50% chance of passing the gene mutation to a child. 

As an HDSA Center of Excellence, we offer:

• Diagnostic blood testing to check for the HTT gene mutation in people with symptoms.
• Presymptomatic testing for those without symptoms at risk for developing the disease.

Finding out that you have Huntington’s disease or the gene change that will eventually cause it can be life-altering. The UC Davis Genetic Testing Program for Huntington's disease offers pre- and post-testing counseling. Our team of neurologists, genetic counselors and social workers provides compassionate diagnostic care and guidance. 

Our nationally recognized Huntington’s Disease Clinic brings together a team of providers in one convenient location. We help you to manage your physical and emotional needs during treatment. While we can’t slow or stop the disease, our comprehensive therapies ease symptoms to protect your quality of life.