Case Study Take Away: Huntington's Disease

Huntington's Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that effects the basil ganglia of the brain. It is a genetic disease that effects 50% of the people whose family members have it. Typically, it occurs in people who are 35-55 years old, but the woman, Heather Alimossy, in Tim's case study, was only 19. Since her mom had HD, Heather wanted to get tested and unfortunately, she tested positive for the defected chromosome. Tim mentioned that although Heather was diagnosed, she did not show signs or symptoms right away.
Since HD effects a person's balance, posture, and memory, some of the OT interventions would be working with the Heather's balance, organization skills, making lists, and helping her to explore other hobbies. Tim would help her to explore other hobbies because her love of dirt biking will not be a realistic hobby forever.

Even though HD is not a very common disease around the world, it is common within families with the gene. I find it so interesting that if a parent is a carrier of HD or if the parent has HD, the child has a 50% chance of developing HD. Personally, if I had a relative that had HD, I would want to be tested as well, so I have more time to prepare and enjoy my life.

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