neurologic disorders
Huntington Disease
Key Points
Huntington disease, an autosomal dominant disorder that affects either sex, usually causes dementia and chorea during middle age; most patients eventually require institutionalization. If symptoms and family history suggest the diagnosis, provide genetic counseling before genetic testing and consider neuroimaging. Treat symptoms and discuss end-of-life care as soon as possible. Offer counseling before genetic testing to 1st-degree relatives, particularly potential parent to prepare them for possible positive findings and to reduce the risk of suicide. 