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The 5 stages of Huntington’s disease explained

The 5 stages of Huntington’s disease explained

Huntington’s disease is a genetic, neurodegenerative condition characterized by emotional, cognitive, and motor symptoms. The course of the disease involves a gradual development of involuntary jerking muscle movements and a progressive decline in memory and cognitive function. It shows symptoms such as uncontrolled movements and mental instability. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder inherited from a parent and is commonly divided into five stages of disease progression. So, let’s learn more about each stage.

Stage 1: Preclinical stage
People in the initial stage of Huntington’s disease may develop mild symptoms. While they may exhibit signs of a neurodegenerative disorder, the doctor might not diagnose the individual with Huntington’s disease. The symptoms of HD usually begin between 40 and 60 years of life. However, it may also appear as two years of age or as late as 80 years. In the early stages, damage to brain cells may cause symptoms such as:

  • Involuntary twitching in the toes, fingers, or face
  • Poor coordination
  • May struggle to concentrate or solve problems
  • Irritability
  • Loss of inhibitions
  • Depression
  • Issues with complex movements

Once these symptoms appear, a patient is diagnosed to be in the active stages of HD. It may take about eight years to pass from this stage to the next. The individual can usually carry out tasks at home or work without assistance. For example, the person might be able to drive, bathe, and drink. However, experts may recommend reducing the work and hours carried out each day.

Stage 2: Early intermediate stage
By this stage, one usually exhibits clear signs of the disease as they become more apparent and may interfere with the individual’s daily life. The individual may also develop emotional and behavioral issues, which might cause strain on work and family relationships. Furthermore, the symptoms experienced in the early intermediate stage are similar to those of the previous stage and may become more noticeable. Based on the individual, stage 2 could last three to thirteen years. The second stage is a comfortable time to discuss important topics with the patient, such as support systems, health and Huntington’s disease care plan, and legal and financial plans.

Stage 3: Late intermediate stage
Patients who reach the third stage of Huntington’s disease may be unable to work any longer. The disease may have affected them to the extent that they could require assistance with daily tasks. The third stage usually goes on for about five to sixteen years, and one may notice signs such as:

  • Wright issues
  • Trouble with walking
  • Difficulty with memory
  • A severe problem with involuntary movements or twitches
  • A restricted ability to perform motor tasks
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Falling frequently

Stage 4: Early advanced stage
The time it takes to reach this stage may differ from one person to the next. Someone with Huntington’s disease usually enters the early advanced stage about ten years after the onset, but it could also range between nine and twenty-one years. One may require advanced care when approaching this stage, especially considering household responsibilities, personal matters, and finances. The patient’s caretakers, such as family members or close peers, may also have to determine if the individual with Huntington’s disease should live at home or move to a facility where they can be cared for. Patients may also exhibit new symptoms in the early advanced stage, such as:

  • Rigidity
  • Apathy
  • Abnormally slow movements
  • Excessive loss of cognitive function
  • Severe challenges regarding voluntary movements

Stage 5: Advanced stage
The fifth and final stage is when the disease becomes more severe, and the individual might require round-the-clock care. The person might be immobile, unable to communicate, and find it extremely tedious to perform essential motor functions, such as swallowing. In the advanced stage, the patient becomes entirely dependent on others to complete anything. They may also fall ill regularly because of infections or injuries.

The available treatments for Huntington’s disease aim to slow its progression and improve the patient’s quality of life. Experts may recommend prescriptions to manage various symptoms of the disorder. They may also indicate therapies, such as speech and physical therapy, to help one cope with HD. The patient’s family could also look into support services, such as nonprofit agencies, to provide caregiver education and support groups to help the patient learn more about the condition.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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8 common signs of leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer in which the body's blood-forming tissues grow out of control. It has several subtypes, such as acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Like many cancers, leukemia is relatively treatable in its initial stages. Hence, individuals must diagnose it early. One way to detect this condition quickly is to look for its early signs and symptoms. Here are a few common signs of leukemia: Fever Leukemia tends to affect nearly every organ, including the immune system. When one's immunity is compromised, it results in frequent bouts of fever and raised body temperature. Consequently, a person with this condition may experience night sweats on a daily basis. Sometimes, fever is a side effect of treatments used for managing leukemia. Muscle and joint pain Besides fever, individuals with early-stage leukemia may experience persistent pain in their muscles and joints. If the pain increases and leads to tenderness in the affected areas, it is a clear indicator of this cancer. Such symptoms tend to be felt more than seen. If untreated, the progressive pain can cause rapid organ damage. All these factors bring about noticeable muscle loss. Fatigue Since leukemia is directly associated with the blood cells, it causes circulation issues. As blood circulation gets disrupted, oxygen and nutrients do not reach every body part adequately and quickly. Since oxygen and nutrients are vital for sustaining life, people commonly feel fatigued when organs like the brain and lungs do not receive these elements. Individuals with leukemia tend to feel tired after doing the simplest tasks, such as climbing a flight of stairs, walking a few steps, or skipping. Shortness of breath Leukemia usually impairs the body's capacity to produce red blood cells (RBCs). This, in addition to the circulation issues specified earlier, drastically reduces oxygen supply to the body's cells. A shortage of oxygen eventually manifests as shallow breathing and, in general, shortness of breath. Shortness of breath worsens tiredness and fatigue. If an individual has frequent episodes of shallow and short breathing, they must visit their nearest general physician for a quick check-up. Bruising and bleeding Leukemia affects an individual's platelet count, resulting in clotting issues. Consequently, individuals with early-stage leukemia suffer bruises more frequently than others. Inadequate blood clotting also implies the wounds do not heal quickly. In some cases, the bleeding does not stop after one sustains an injury. Bruising and bleeding are arguably the most precise indicators of early-stage leukemia. If someone experiences these signs, they should be checked to ascertain the underlying cause. Frequent and recurring infections Another common sign of leukemia is falling sick regularly because of recurring infections. This happens because one's complete blood count drops (resulting in a further decline in white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels). Such blood cell abnormalities result in weakened immunity and, thereby, frequent instances of infections and diseases. This symptom is seen across a range of diseases. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is critical to stopping the possible growth of leukemia. Petechiae Petechiae are tiny red spots under the skin caused by frequent internal bleeding. Internal bleeding directly results from leukemia and other health conditions associated with blood cell formation. The spots have a typical appearance, are painless when touched, and generally appear in the lower extremities. They will be found around the ankles as the blood and other body fluids settle downward due to gravity. Pain and discomfort in the belly Leukemia causes a person's spleen to become enlarged, resulting in sharp pain in the upper-left side of the belly. This pain causes a general sense of discomfort in people living with early-stage leukemia. Other types of cancers may affect the digestive system, causing similar pain in the belly region, which should not be ignored. Leukemia is a severe condition that can lead to complications and also increase the risk of other cancers. Hence, those who experience these signs should visit a healthcare provider without delay. The expert can diagnose the cause and suggest suitable interventions after examining the patient. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better it can be managed in the long run. With the right guidance, individuals with leukemia can achieve an improved quality of life.

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