Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
08:32

Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models

Published on: March 1, 2015

Dysphagia in Huntington's disease: a review

Anne-Wil Heemskerk1, Raymond A C Roos

  • 1Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. w.a.heemskerk@lumc.nl

Dysphagia
|September 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Huntington's disease (HD) patients often experience dysphagia, but research lacks standardized methods for its assessment and treatment. This review highlights the need for better strategies to manage swallowing difficulties in HD.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder.
  • Motor, behavioral, and cognitive impairments are characteristic of HD.
  • Dysphagia is a common complication in HD patients due to combined motor disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To survey the literature on dysphagia in Huntington's disease.
  • To identify the frequency and characteristics of dysphagia in HD patients.
  • To evaluate existing treatment and prevention strategies for dysphagia in HD.

Main Methods:

  • A detailed literature survey was conducted.
  • Studies investigating dysphagia in Huntington's disease were reviewed.
  • Methodological variability and patient group heterogeneity were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Existing studies on dysphagia in HD are characterized by heterogeneous patient groups and variable methodologies.
  • There is a lack of systematically proven, balanced advice for the prevention and treatment of dysphagia in HD.
  • The precise frequency and characteristics of dysphagia in HD remain poorly understood.

Conclusions:

  • Current literature provides insufficient evidence for effective dysphagia management in Huntington's disease.
  • Further research with standardized methods is needed to develop balanced treatment and prevention strategies.
  • Addressing dysphagia is crucial for improving the quality of life for HD patients.

More Related Videos

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing07:45

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing

Published on: December 1, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Huntington Disease l: Introduction01:21

Huntington Disease l: Introduction

Huntington disease or HD is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.PathophysiologyIt is caused by expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene on chromosome 4 (4p16.3), producing an abnormal huntingtin protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. This misfolded protein disrupts cellular function, leading to neuronal death. Normal alleles have ≤26 repeats, 27–35 are intermediate (risk of expansion), 36–39 show reduced penetrance,...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Taste Buds and Receptors01:20

Taste Buds and Receptors

Gustation, or the sense of taste, is intrinsically linked to the anatomical structures located on the tongue. This organ's surface, along with the entirety of the oral cavity, is adorned with stratified squamous epithelium. Evident on the tongue are elevated structures known as papillae (singular = papilla), which house the mechanisms for the transduction of gustatory stimuli. Four distinct types of papillae exist, each identified by their unique morphological attributes: the circumvallate,...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Parkinson's Disease: Overview01:15

Parkinson's Disease: Overview

Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...