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Huntington's Disease - A Brief Historical Perspective
1Center for the Study of Women, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. arwexler@ucla.edu
Journal of Huntington'S Disease
|July 25, 2014
Summary
Huntington's disease (HD) research has advanced significantly since the 1960s due to advocacy and scientific progress. While effective therapies are still developing, new treatments for this neurodegenerative disorder are nearing clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Medical History
Background:
- Huntington's disease (HD) has a long history, recognized in the mid-19th century but lacking effective treatments, leading to families concealing the condition.
- Grass-roots advocacy by HD families, alongside breakthroughs in Parkinson's disease treatment and the rise of molecular genetics and neuroscience, spurred increased research focus on HD starting in the late 1960s.
Observation:
- Historically, physicians struggled to find therapies for Huntington's disease.
- Patient advocacy and scientific advancements in related fields have been crucial in elevating HD research.
Findings:
- Biomedical research into Huntington's disease has grown substantially.
- Despite research progress, therapeutic interventions for HD are still in development, though closer to clinical reality.
Implications:
- The growing body of research suggests a future with more effective treatments for Huntington's disease.
- The establishment of dedicated resources like the Journal of Huntington's Disease aids in accelerating progress toward disease-altering interventions.
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