If you are not a registered member of our community, please click here to register...

 Home Message Boards Health Guide Join for Free Testimonials About Us
Search
   
  


PDA

View Full Version : Huntington's Disease


 

 

 
misskatie
12-18-2003, 05:42 AM
I cared for a special lady who had Huntington's Disease. I was so sorry I could not find anthing on the net regarding how to care for someone in their last 6 months of life. We (caregivers) worried and wanted to know what she was going through and what might we expect. What is it about Huntington's Disease that causes a person to die from it?

Sponsor
 



stacydl
12-22-2003, 09:02 PM
I cared for a special lady who had Huntington's Disease. I was so sorry I could not find anthing on the net regarding how to care for someone in their last 6 months of life. We (caregivers) worried and wanted to know what she was going through and what might we expect. What is it about Huntington's Disease that causes a person to die from it?

I think that a person with huntington's becomes completely dependent on others for all of their care due to progressive degeneration of the brain cells and resulting dementia. I think that they eventually die from infection, heart failure, or choking. I have done some research on this. My grandfather had 12 brothers and sisters, all but he and one sister died of HD. He died of a heart attack at the age of 49 and at that time he showed no symptoms. I was slightly concerned though because it's hereditary so I researched it. It would be unusual for him to have had no symptoms by age 49 and since none of his children show any signs, I think we are safe. But I know how devastating of a disease it is, I know my dad saw most of his aunts, uncles, and many cousins already die from the disease.
Hope that helped a little bit.
Stacy





Site owned and operated by HealthBoards.com (TM)
Copyright and Terms of Use © 1998-2009 HealthBoards.com (TM) All rights reserved.
Do not copy or redistribute in any form!