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  1. Living with a neurological condition

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a condition caused by a faulty brain damaging gene that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. Huntington’s is not something you can catch; it is inherited. Every child conceived naturally to a parent who carries the Huntington’s gene has a 50% chance of inheriting it. (HAD. 2018) A genetic test can find out if you have the faulty gene. You can live with the faulty gene for years without symptoms, but if you do have it, at some stage you will develop symptoms. Doctors cannot tell you when this will be. It gets gradually worse over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years.


Huntington’s disease affects men and women. It usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50 but can start at any age. If you develop symptoms before the age of 20, this is known as Juvenile Huntington’s disease. (HDA. 2018)


Very occasionally, it's possible to develop Huntington's disease without having a history of it in your family. But this is usually just because one of your parents was never diagnosed with it.


Symptoms of Huntington's disease can include:

  • difficulty concentrating and memory lapses
  • depression
  • stumbling and clumsiness
  • involuntary jerking or fidgety movements of the limbs and body
  • mood swings and personality changes
  • problems swallowing, speaking and breathing
  • difficulty moving (NHS 2018)


Huntington's disease has no cure and progression cannot be stopped. However, therapy, medicine and support can help lessen some of the difficulties it causes, such as:

  • medicines for depression, mood swings and involuntary movements
  • occupational therapy to help make everyday tasks easier
  • speech and language therapy for feeding and communication problems
  • physiotherapy to help with movement and balance

Published: 1st December, 2018

Author: Graham Collins

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  • What is a neurological condition?

    A neurological condition is a disease, illness or trauma that affects the central or peripheral nervous system. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, tremor, cognitive difficulties, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.

  • Where we work

    Integrated Neurological Services (INS) provides support primarily to people who live in the London boroughs of Richmond and Hounslow. However, we may still be able to offer support to people living just outside this area (eg. in Kingston, Wandsworth, Ealing) who are within reach of our base in Twickenham.

  • What difference we make

    INS can be the difference between living and just existing.

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    Your donation can make a difference to the lives of people with a neurological condition. Donate, hold an event, take part in a challenge - whatever you can do will make a difference.

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  • History of INS

    INS is the only organisation in the London area offering long term, professional rehabilitation and support for people with neurological conditions, through its experienced team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers.

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    I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS

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    At INS we believe that a long-term neurological condition requires a long-term approach. We believe that this should include support for carers and focus on ability not disability. this with your content

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    INS welcomes anybody who is willing to offer their skills and some of their time to assist us in all areas of our work. Almost anyone can be a volunteer. We already have a team of invaluable volunteers who help us in many ways but we are always looking for more support.

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