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Causes, risks, and symptoms of Huntington’s disease

Causes, risks, and symptoms of Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is a rare disorder that affects the brain cells, leading to several physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. It is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system. It’s important to note that there is currently no cure for it. However, understanding the early causes of the disease, assessing risks, and identifying signs and symptoms of Huntington’s disease in detail will provide a comprehensive understanding of this condition.

Causes
The following are the genetic causes linked to the development and progression of Huntington’s disease (HD).

Genetic mutation
HD is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which is on chromosome 4 in the DNA segment. This mutation causes the production of mutant huntingtin (mHTT), which is an abnormal protein.

Excess protein accumulation
The mutant huntingtin protein has a tendency to aggregate and form clusters within neurons, interfering with their function and causing damage to brain function. This mutant protein is toxic to nerve cells, particularly in certain regions of the brain, leading to their dysfunction and eventual death.

Impaired cellular transport
Nerve and cell damage disrupts the transport of vital molecules within neurons. This affects one’s ability to communicate and function properly to facilitate tasks and familiar actions.

Excitotoxicity
The mutant gene can make neurons more susceptible to excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters, leading to excitotoxicity and neuronal fatality.

Inflammation
One of the persistent symptoms of brain disorders is inflammation of healthy cells that also disrupts communication, contributing to neurodegeneration.

Neurodegeneration
The progressive degeneration of specific brain regions, including the striatum and cortex, are among the leading causes of HD. This neurodegeneration is responsible for the characteristic motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms of HD.

Risk factors of Huntington’s disease
There are many risk factors that also dictate the progression of this disease and impact future outlook.

Genetic mutation
Having a family history of the condition is the most significant risk factor for developing it. If either parent carries a mutated HTT gene, the upcoming generation has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation and developing Huntington’s. Genetic testing can determine whether the parent carries the gene or not. However, the severity and age of onset can vary among affected individuals. Nevertheless, this information can inform family planning decisions.

Age
Huntington’s disease risk increases with advancing age. It is predominantly present in adulthood, usually between the ages of 30 and 50. Although it can affect individuals at any age, the risk increases as a person ages, loses immunity, or even develops comorbidities and other health complications.

Spontaneous mutations
While rare, spontaneous mutations can occur in individuals with no family history of Huntington’s disease. These cases are not inherited from parents but are the result of a new mutation in the gene found among the affected people. However, the chance of this inheritance is quite rare.

Symptoms of Huntington’s disease
Cell damage disrupts vital communications sent from the brain to all organs and extremities of the body. As a result, a person will experience various symptoms, ranging from mild muscle pain to severe cognitive impairment.

Chorea
Involuntary, jerky, and uncontrollable movements are known as chorea. This is one of the more easily noticeable signs that affect a person early on with the disease progression. These movements often start subtly with mild fidgeting or restlessness and progress to more pronounced and disruptive motions that cannot be controlled to any extent. Chorea can affect various parts of the body, including the face, arms, and legs, sometimes developing simultaneously, affecting multiple muscle groups, depending on the intensity of the condition.

Muscle stiffness and rigidity
A person with HD can also experience muscle stiffness or rigidity that develops with the disease progression. Without flexible muscle movements, one will face great difficulty in controlling simple actions. The rigidity only further causes muscle cramps and pain to develop. The combination of chorea and muscle rigidity can contribute to a significant loss of motor function over time if left unchecked.

Problems with simple tasks
HD affects the brain’s ability to coordinate movements and maintain proper balance while performing certain tasks. As a result, one might experience frequent falls and struggle to maintain posture. As the disease progresses, individuals often experience a decline in their ability to perform everyday motor skills such as writing, typing, or buttoning a shirt. This can affect activities like dressing, grooming, and cooking, thus increasing their dependence on friends and family.

Speech and swallowing difficulties
The brain also controls automatic muscle movements and actions that govern actions like eating and swallowing. Cell damage triggered by Huntington’s disease results in one developing speech and swallowing problems. One’s speech might become slurred and difficult to comprehend, and swallowing difficulties further increase the risk of choking. Speech therapy may be needed to manage these issues in the long run, as Huntington’s is a progressive disorder.

Cognitive decline
Huntington’s disease will impact cognitive functions. Some of the early signs include difficulties with focus, retention, and problem-solving abilities. These are basic functions that are required to accomplish day-to-day tasks. As the disease progresses, one might experience more severe cognitive decline that also affects their ability to think, reason, and arrive at a decision.

Emotional changes
Huntington’s disease triggers a wide range of emotional and psychiatric symptoms. It is common for a person to experience unexpected mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety. These emotional changes impact relationships and greatly affect one’s quality of life, making it challenging for both the affected individual and their loved ones.

Changes in personality
Behavioral changes can manifest in various ways, triggering impulsivity, apathy, aggression, and social withdrawal. Caregivers and healthcare professionals must be prepared to address these behavioral challenges and provide appropriate support.

The outlook for individuals with Huntington’s disease (HD) will vary widely depending on several factors, including the age of onset, the severity of symptoms, and the availability of support and healthcare. There is no cure, so doctors will advise on the best course of treatment to better manage the condition.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

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Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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Lung cancer might obstruct air passages or interfere with the immune system's ability to fend off infections, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. One should visit an expert to determine the cause of these symptoms immediately. Swelling of the neck and face In some cases, lung cancer causes the superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, which occurs when the tumor obstructs the SVC, a large vein that carries blood from the upper body to the heart. This obstruction could lead to swelling in the neck and face, as well as other symptoms like headache, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing. Clubbed fingers This is a condition where the fingertips and nails become enlarged and rounded, which could be a rare but significant indicator of underlying lung cancer. The unusual and visible change in finger appearance often results from chronic low oxygen levels in the blood, which might occur when lung cancer impedes normal respiratory function. 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