Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s disease, also known as HD or Huntington’s chorea, is an inherited disease in which nerve cells in the brain break down over time. “HD causes deterioration in a person’s physical, mental, and emotional abilities, usually during their prime working years, and currently has no cure. Most people start developing symptoms during adulthood, between the ages of 30 to 50, but HD can also occur in children and young adults (known as juvenile HD or JHD).”
Symptoms of huntington’s disease may include
- Unsteady gait
- Loss of muscle
- Abnormality walking
- Forgetfulness
- Personality changes
- Slurred speech
- Weight loss
There are many treatments that can help manage Huntington's disease symptoms. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may help improve patients' strength, mobility, balance and coordination while helping families adjust the home environment to be safe. A physical and/or occupational therapist may provide exercises to improve endurance, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, stretches, aerobic exercises, and fine motor rehabilitation.
An occupational therapist can help a Huntington's disease patient with basic skills such as eating, walking, bathing, and dressing. Occupational therapists can help provide advice on new techniques to continue to complete everyday activities such as dressing and meal preparation as the condition advances. Occupational therapists may recommend using assistive devices throughout the house. Assistive devices may include handrails, wheelchair, shower equipment grab bars or eating and drinking utensils.
If you or a loved one is suffering from Huntington’s disease symptoms, call our office today or schedule an appointment online so our team of experts can help manage your pain.
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Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420-2900
Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367-1111
Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243-0247
North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344-0030
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030
*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*
Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224-8480
Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992-2282
Sources: HDSA, Mayoclinic
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Written by:
Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT
President
Reddy Care Physical Therapy
Reddy Care Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy