Promising treatment for Huntington's disease

[teriwtt]

<p>I can’t remember when or where, but I know several people on CC have shared that they know families who have been inflicted with this horrible disease. When I worked in hospice, many of the clinical workers were of the opinion that this disease, along with ALS and Parkinsons were the top three we’d never wish on our worst enemy. Truly devastating.</p>

<p>So, I was thrilled to see this article posted to one of my friends’ FB walls:</p>

<p>[‘Very</a> promising’ treatment for Huntington disease discovered](<a href=“http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-02-treatment-huntington-disease.html]'Very”>'Very promising' treatment for Huntington disease discovered)</p>

<p>

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a promising new therapy for Huntington disease that restores lost motor skills and may delay or stop the progression of the disease based on lab model tests, says the lead researcher. Because the new therapy uses a molecule already being used in clinical trials for other diseases, it could be used in a clinical trial for Huntington disease within the next one to two years.

</p>

<p>The family we know lost their father/husband almost two years ago, and the oldest daughter has tested positive for the gene. I hope this treatment comes through in time to spare her the tragedy of suffering as her dad did.</p>

[mnmomof2]

<p>Wonderful news! I hope the daughter is encouraged. And, often, when progress is made for one area of research, other areas benefit.</p>

[FallGirl]

<p>Thank you for posting this, Teri. I lost a brother to ALS and my greatest wish is for a cure for these diseases.</p>

[sistersunnie]

<p>Well I can attest to the brutality of Parkinsons/Dementia! I sincerely hope that a cure for Huntington’s disease comes soon!</p>

[Nrdsb4]

<p>

When I worked in hospice, many of the clinical workers were of the opinion that this disease, along with ALS and Parkinsons were the top three we’d never wish on our worst enemy. Truly devastating.

</p>

<p>When I was in nursing school, learning about Huntington’s scared the crap out of me; we saw a video on it and ALS, and you are right, those are 2 diagnoses which could seriously make me question my strong feelings against suicide.</p>

[silverlady]

<p>My cousin’s daughter has Huntington’s and she is in dreadful shape right now. She inherited the gene from her father’s side of the family. She was brilliant, and we are all so sad for her mom and children. She has 5 children. We are so afraid for all of them.</p>

<p>She has 2 sisters. Neither of them have shown signs of symptoms, although they both agree that every twitch always makes them wonder. The youngest of the 3 has promised her son that she will be tested as his graduation gift from college. Unfortunately, if one tests positive, then one has a pre-existing condition for medical insurance. Therefore, the sisters have not been tested, nor has the children of the one with the disease. It is very sad. My prayers are for a cure very, very soon. It would not help my cousin’s daughter, but it could help her children. Statistically, at least 2 will have the gene.</p>