Huntington's Disease Association

Huntington's disease is an illness caused by a faulty gene in your DNA (the biological 'instructions' you inherit which tell your cells what to do). If you have Huntington's, it affects your body's nervous system - the network of nerve tissues in the brain and spinal cord that co-ordinate your body's activities.

Huntington's can cause changes with movement, learning, thinking and emotions. Once symptoms begin, the disease gradually progresses, so living with it means having to adapt to change, taking one day at a time.

Living with Huntington's disease can be very challenging. Getting the right information and support is vital and we're here to help.

We improve care and support services for people with Huntington's disease, educate families and professionals, and champion people's rights.

If you've recently found out about Huntington's disease in your family, it's likely you're experiencing a range of very strong emotions.

You may have:

• recently found out that Huntington's affects your family.
• had a recent diagnosis from a medical professional - this could be following a family history of the disease, or it may be that you never knew it was in the family.
• had a positive test for Huntington's from a geneticist, but you're not showing any signs.
• noticed that symptoms are starting having already known you carry the Huntington's gene.
• found out that someone you care about or their family is affected by Huntington's disease.

Whatever way you've come to find out about Huntington's, you may have many strong feelings. These could include anger, denial, sadness and fear. You could also be feeling confused or anxious and not sure what to do next.

It's important to know there's no right or wrong way to feel. Everyone will react differently to finding out about Huntington's and that's ok.

Find out more about how we can help you

Where do I start?

You may have lots of questions but you're not sure who to ask.

Our Specialist Huntington's Disease Advisers can offer advice and information, and let you know about local services and support groups. If you haven't already made contact with your local Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser we would advise you to do so.

• What is Huntington's?
• Getting help
• Support near you
• Support for young people

Huntington's Disease Association Plymouth Support Group

The Huntington's Disease Association Plymouth Support Group is run by volunteers to provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by Huntington's disease in the local area.

The Plymouth support group meet under the umbrella of the Livewell Southwest health care service provider, providing for patients living within the Plymouth area, although we do have visitors from further afield looking for more general support in the Huntington's family, from time to time.

We also invite health and social care professionals to our meetings to give occasional talks about various topics around Huntington's disease and usually welcome our local Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser.

Is the information correct?

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