Huntington's Disease

[misskatie]

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?

[stacydl]

Originally Posted by misskatie

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