Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a genetic (inherited) condition that damages the brain over time. This damage and loss of brain cells can affect the ability to think, act, and move.

Huntington’s disease (HD) can cause symptoms such as uncontrollable movements, problems with planning and memory, and changes in personality and mood. As the condition gets worse, patients often have trouble walking safely without falling, controlling their mood and emotions, and caring for themselves.

Those who develop HD inherited an abnormality in a certain gene from a parent who had the disease. In most cases, HD begins to affect people in middle age. However, symptoms can also start in childhood (called juvenile HD), young adulthood, or after age 65.

Care for HD

There is no cure for HD, but there are many treatments that can help with the symptoms. Also, there are clinical research trials focused on treating symptoms, preventing the disease from getting worse, or slowing it down. Because HD symptoms can affect so many bodily functions, patients are more likely to benefit from a multi-specialty care team that includes a neurologist, psychiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, dietitian, social worker, pharmacist, and other medical professionals.

Why choose UAB Medicine

The UAB Huntington’s Disease Clinic is designated as a Center of Excellence by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA). Also, UAB Medicine is one of only a few U.S. medical centers that is further recognized as an HDSA Level One Center of Excellence, which means that UAB offers the highest level of multi-specialty care. The clinic received the HDSA Excellence in Clinical Care Award in 2017.

Our clinic offers a unique experience. At each visit, patients with HD and their family meet with a neurologist or nurse practitioner and see multiple other care team members, based on individual needs. This assessment by multiple team members is provided at no additional cost, as part of routine clinic visits. Our goal is to maximize function and quality of life for patients with HD and their family.

The UAB Huntington’s Disease Clinic team is dedicated to the HD community and often takes part in local community events. Our social worker helps arrange some of these activities, including support groups and educational sessions. Clinic Director Victor Sung, M.D., serves on the HDSA National Board of Trustees and chaired its board from 2021 to 2023.

Excellence in research

Some of our clinic team members are active in the Huntington Study Group (HSG), which is the largest network of HD researchers in the world. This connection – combined with UAB’s national reputation for excellence – allows us to participate in the latest HD research and clinical trials. UAB patients may be eligible for new medical and surgical therapies for HD and for new clinical and research trials. We encourage you to speak to your provider about current research and clinical trial options and visit the link below for more information.

Excellence in genetic testing

UAB operates an HD Predictive Testing Program that allows people with a family history of HD to be tested to see if they have the abnormal HD gene. The testing follows the latest HDSA guidelines, which include meeting with a physician, genetic counselor, and social worker before the testing. We take special steps to reduce wait times for this program. If you or a loved one is interested in HD genetic testing, please contact Genetic Counselor Colton Rathbun, MS, GC, at 205-934-9441 to learn more or make an appointment.

Care Providers