Myths About Huntington' Disease

Myth 1:
HD is a male disease.

Fact:
Both men and women can be born with the HD gene.


Myth 2: 
If you have the gene you will start showing symptoms at the same age as your parents.

Fact:
If your mother is affected with HD it is more likely you will have a similar age of onset. If your father is affected with HD you have the potential of developing the disease at an earlier age than he did.


Myth 3: 
Right now there is a cure for HD.

Fact: 
Right now we are able to treat the symptoms of HD (i.e. anxiety, depression, involuntary movements), but at this time there is no cure.


Myth 4: 
HD can skip generations.

Fact: 
The HD gene mutation never skips a generation. However, if someone dies young of another cause, no one might know that the person had the HD gene mutation.