In the UK alone, there are approximately 8 000 people living with this progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Huntington’s is a hereditary disease, which means that it is passed down through families – if a parent has Huntington’s, a child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. 

Over time, Huntington’s disease will destroy the cells in various parts of the brain. Generally, symptoms only start to appear between the ages of 30 to 50. Here, we discuss the five stages of the disease, as well as how you can help a loved one with Huntington’s. 

Stage 1: Preclinical Stage

In the Preclinical stage, an individual will start to develop mild symptoms, such as anxiety, unusual irritability, poor coordination, difficulty learning new things and issues with making decisions. 

However, these changes are often so mild that they go unnoticed, and the individual continues with their daily life. At this stage, screening or biological tests will detect whether an individual has the disease. 

Stage 1: Early Stage

In the preclinical stage, any behavioural or cognitive changes that result from neurological damage will be hardly noticeable. However, during this stage, the cells in your brain will become more severely damaged. 

Some common symptoms at this stage include: 

• Involuntary twitches in the toes, face or fingers
• Struggling to concentrate or solve problems
• Low coordination
• Issues with doing complex movements
• Loss of inhibitions
• Irritability 
• Depression

Once these symptoms appear, a patient will be deemed to be in the active stages of this illness. It can take up to 8 years to pass from this stage to the next, but individuals will generally be capable of carrying on with daily tasks like driving, eating and bathing. Patients will also be able to continue with work; however, it’s advised that their work level or hours be reduced. 

Stage 2: Early Intermediate Stage

By now, the physical signs of the disease will become more apparent, and one’s daily life will be affected. Often, emotional and behavioural issues that develop during this stage will cause strain on work and family relationships. 

The symptoms experienced in the Early Intermediate Stage are very similar to that of the previous stage; they will simply become more noticeable. Stage 2 can last anywhere from three to thirteen years, depending on the individual. 

At this point, it is a good idea to discuss important topics related to the future, such as:

• Health and Huntington’s disease care plan
• Support systems
• Legal and financial plans

Stage 3: Late Intermediate Stage 

Once a patient with Huntington’s reaches stage three, it’s unlikely that they will be able to work any longer. Generally, the disease will have affected them enough that they will require assistance with everyday tasks. This stage will generally carry on for around five to sixteen years. 

By now, symptoms will be more pronounced and include those such as: 

• Issues with walking
• Wright issues
• A severe problem with involuntary movements or twitches 
• Difficulty with memory 
• Mood swings and/or depression 
• Issues with performing motor tasks 
• Falling often 

Stage 4: Early Advanced Stage

The time it takes for an individual with Huntington’s to reach this stage will vary by case; however, it generally begins about ten years after the onset of the disease but can range between nine and twenty-one years. 

Once this stage has been reached, one will typically require more advanced care, especially regarding household responsibilities, finances or even personal matters. This is when it’s time to consider whether the patient should still be living at home or whether they need to move into a facility where they can be cared for. 

New symptoms will likely have developed by this stage, such as: 

• Psychosis 
• Rigidity
• Apathy 
• Severe loss of cognitive function
• Abnormally slow movements 
• Severe challenges regarding voluntary movements

Stage 5: Advanced Stage

The fifth and final stage is when the disease will be more severe, and it’s likely that the individual will require care 24/7. They will likely be immobile, unable to communicate and find it extremely difficult to perform basic motor functions such as swallowing. 

At this point, they will be completely dependent on others to complete anything. Often, individuals that are in the advanced stage will fall ill due to infections or injuries. Unfortunately, this often results in Huntington’s patients’ lives coming to an end. 

Treating Someone With Huntington’s Disease

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, nor is there any solution for slowing the rate of progression. Doctors will prescribe their patients’ certain medications based on the issues they are struggling with the most. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Huntington’s, it’s essential that you help them find the right care so that they can continue to live a dignified life.