Multidisciplinary approach to management of a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder: Huntington disease

Huntington Disease is a well known autosomal dominant inherited disease resulting in emotional problems, abnormalities of movement, and eventually dementia. It stands out as one of the most devastating illnesses, not only for its neurodegenerative progression but also for its impact on families. Care often becomes fragmented due to the person's response to symptoms and/or family breakdown. The successful interaction of health care disciplines working with Huntington Disease in our centers, namely, the family physicians, nursing, Genetics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Social Work, and Long Term Care has resulted in a comprehensive program of care for our patients and their families. This article will describe the history, structure and interaction of the multidisciplinary group. It will describe the difficulties we have overcome and offer suggestions for the implementation of similar programs for the care of people with other disorders.