There is no cure for Huntington's
disease. However, there is a number of measures to slow the progress of
the disease and improve the quality of life of the patient:
- Diet management (Eating difficulties can lead to weight loss)
- Lifestyle changes, such as exercises and occupational therapy.
- Supporting environment, including personal care.
- Assistance of a physical therapist (can help on management of physical
symptoms)
- Medications, which are prescribed according to the causes, signs and symptoms
and include:
Drug
|
Abnormality
|
Tetrabenazine, neuroleptics and benzodiazepines
|
Abnormal involuntary movements affecting especially the shoulders, hips, and face (chorea)
|
Valproic acid
|
Hyperkinesia
|
Antiparkinsonian drugs
|
Hypokinesia
|
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, such as fluoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants
(like amitriptyline),and other types of antidepressants such as mirtazapine,
duloxetine or venlafaxine
|
Depression
|
Atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAD)
|
Psychosis and behavioral problems.
|
|