Huntington’s chorea

Huntington’s chorea is transferred by autosomal dominant type. The disease can be traced through the generations and transferred only by the sick parents. The penetrance of the gene is high (100%). The morphological degenerative changes in the subcortical nodes and brain cortex are detected in the case. The clinical picture consists of choreic hyperkinesis and rough mental disorders. Hyperkinesis is characterized by the voluminous, quick, non-rhythmical movements that emerge in various group of muscles. The speech deteriorates. The mental disorders manifest in the emotional changes and abrupt decline of intelligence. Cognition degrades, memory, attention disintegrate, the range of interests narrows, the capacity for intellectual work is lost and organic dementia quickly develops. Usually, the disease begins from compulsive movements and the mental changes gradually join. The disease is treated by the dopamine antagonists. Trifluoperazine is efficient. Levodopa is effective for akinetic-rigid form of the disease. The method of prevention is absence of children.