Huntington's Disease

Huntington''s disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative genetic disorder characterised by motor dysfunctions, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. In this book, the authors discuss the symptoms, risk factors and prognosis in Huntington''s disease. Topics include the pathogenic mechanisms by which the expanded polyglutamine huntingtin causes neuronal dysfunction and death and the potential therapeutic strategies recently developed for this incurable disorder; the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Huntington''s disease; and the legal ramifications in relation to evolving impairments of capacity which can have an outcome in terms of involuntary status as mental health patients, testamentary capacity and the need for guardianship and administration orders.