Huntington's chorea: implications for nursing in India

Huntington's Chorea is a rare hereditary disease characterized by chronic progressive chorea and dementia, the exact cause of which is still under study, although many hypotheses are present. The patient has abnormality in gait, choreic movements of the limbs, face, slow mental deterioration and ill sustained depression. At later stages the patient becomes emaciated and succumbs. It is yet untreatable and diagnosed by CT Scans, bio-chemical analysis, family history and classic clinic picture. This disease poses a challenge for effective nursing care. There are studies conducted about the nursing aspects--effects of individualized care, effect of musical therapy. It has been shown that diversional therapies, short walks and giving the patient freedom in activities of daily living would help. The prevention at the present day seems to be voluntary sterilization of those at risk after proper counselling.