Huntington's disease

[huhn-ting-tuhnz di-zeez]

noun

Pathology.

1. a hereditary disease of the central nervous system characterized by brain deterioration resulting in involuntary movement and unsteady gait, cognitive impairment and memory decline, and depression or other alterations in mood, with symptoms usually appearing in the fourth decade of life. HD

Huntington's disease

/ ˈhʌntɪŋtən /

noun

1. Former name: Huntington's chorea. a rare hereditary type of chorea, marked by involuntary jerky movements, impaired speech, and increasing dementia

Word History and Origins

Origin of Huntington's disease¹

Named after George S. Huntington (1850–1916), U.S. physician, who described it in 1872

Word History and Origins

Origin of Huntington's disease¹

C19: named after George Huntington (1850–1916), US neurologist

Example Sentences

Gemma's husband, Matt, was diagnosed with Huntington's disease in 2011.

From BBC

She says that is a sentiment that will be felt by the whole Huntington's disease community.

From BBC

But even if this therapy is licensed, it is only going to help a small portion of Huntington's disease patients as it's aimed at those with early-stage symptoms or those who haven't developed any yet.

From BBC

Prof Tabrizi, director of the University College London Huntington's Disease Centre, described the results as "spectacular".

From BBC

The first symptoms of Huntington's disease tend to appear in your 30s or 40s and is normally fatal within two decades – opening the possibility that earlier treatment could prevent symptoms from ever emerging.

From BBC