- The Symptoms and Stages of Huntington's disease
Psychological: Onset of anxiety, irritability, depression, apathy, short tempered, and social withdrawal
Cognitive: Difficulty with problem-solving and multitasking / Scholastic performance difficulties
Physical: Some involuntary movements (chorea) of: (fingers / hands / arms / legs / face / Involuntary eye
movements) - some sexual issues (inability / loss of desire - or increased sex-drive - or promiscuity)
*Many within our community have reported these symptoms and experiences. Note: Individuals are still
able to maintain employment, however they may experience concentration issues and other "softer
symptoms"*
- Mid Stage: (progressed symptoms)
Psychological: Anxiety / irritability / depression / apathy / social withdrawal / short tempered / varied
aggression / outbursts
Cognitive: Memory degradation / Further decline with problem-solving and multitasking / Impaired
speech
Physical: Progressed involuntary movements (chorea) of extremities (body - face - eyes) - reduced
dexterity / Unable to work / Decline in independence / Needing assistance from care-provider(s) /
Problems with weight-loss / Swallowing complications
Physical symptoms (chorea) may progress or stop completely. Individuals at this stage can no longer
walk and communicate verbally with others. Individuals at this stage are dependent on care-providers
for all their needs. Huntington's disease death is caused by choking, infection, and heart failure.
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