Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
07:08
Fractionation for Resolution of Soluble and Insoluble Huntingtin Species
Published on: February 27, 2018
Therapeutics in Huntington's Disease
Annie Killoran1, Kevin M Biglan
1Experimental Therapeutics in Movement Disorders, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 1351 Mt. Hope Avenue, Suite 223, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA, Annie_Killoran@URMC.Rochester.edu.
Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|February 9, 2012
Summary
Huntington's disease (HD) management focuses on symptom relief and support, as no cure exists. Treatment strategies prioritize managing motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms, often using a multidisciplinary approach.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no specific cure.
- Management of HD involves addressing motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms through symptomatic relief, rehabilitation, and support.
- Current pharmacotherapy for HD is limited, with tetrabenazine (an antichoreic agent) used cautiously due to risks of depression and suicidality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for Huntington's disease (HD).
- To highlight the challenges in treating HD symptoms, particularly cognitive impairment.
- To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing HD.
Main Methods:
- This is an opinion statement based on current clinical practice and literature review.
- Discussion of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for HD symptoms.
- Emphasis on the role of a multidisciplinary team in HD care.
Main Results:
- There is no specific treatment for Huntington's disease (HD).
- Symptomatic management includes addressing motor (chorea), psychiatric (depression, agitation), and cognitive decline.
- Neuroleptics are often first-line for chorea with psychiatric comorbidities; antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and psychostimulants are also used.
- Cognitive impairment in HD remains a significant unmet therapeutic need.
- Multipurpose medications can simplify regimens and improve compliance.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for comprehensive HD management.
Conclusions:
- Effective Huntington's disease (HD) management requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
- Addressing psychiatric symptoms is often a primary focus due to their significant impact.
- Further research is needed to develop effective treatments for cognitive impairment in HD.
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