The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Washington State Chapter has announced that Governor Jay Inslee has declared the month of May as HD Awareness Month in the state of Washington.
According to HDSA, the total HD population in Washington is more than 7,000. To learn about how you can raise awareness about HD-related legislation, log onto HDSA.ORG/CAUCUS.
###
Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities usually during their prime working years and has no cure.
Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes Huntington’s disease. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. In less than 10% of cases, juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) affects children & adolescents. JHD usually has a more rapid progression rate than adult onset HD; the earlier the onset, the faster JHD progresses. HD is described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases – simultaneously. HD is characterized by a triad of symptoms, including progressive motor dysfunction, behavioral disturbance and cognitive decline.
To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.HDSA.org or call (800) 345-HDSA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matthew Santamaria
Communications Coordinator
(212) 242-1968 ext. 204
msantamaria@hdsa.org
According to HDSA, the total HD population in Washington is more than 7,000. To learn about how you can raise awareness about HD-related legislation, log onto HDSA.ORG/CAUCUS.
###
Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities usually during their prime working years and has no cure.
Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes Huntington’s disease. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. In less than 10% of cases, juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) affects children & adolescents. JHD usually has a more rapid progression rate than adult onset HD; the earlier the onset, the faster JHD progresses. HD is described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases – simultaneously. HD is characterized by a triad of symptoms, including progressive motor dysfunction, behavioral disturbance and cognitive decline.
To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.HDSA.org or call (800) 345-HDSA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matthew Santamaria
Communications Coordinator
(212) 242-1968 ext. 204
msantamaria@hdsa.org