Symptoms of Huntington’s disease typically begin between 30 and 50 years old, however they can start much earlier or much later in other cases. Austedo, Deutetrabenazine, and Ingrezza as treatment medications can all be prescribed to alleviate some of these symptoms. If you or your loved one has Huntington’s, there are a bunch of symptoms you may notice. Keep reading to learn more about 5 of these identifiable symptoms:

1. Chorea
Experiencing writhing or jerking movements that are involuntary could be a sign that you or your loved one has Huntington’s. Chorea is a major symptom of Huntington’s due to the disease attacking areas of the brain that work to control voluntary movement.

2. Gait abnormality
Those with Huntington’s may experience gait abnormality—also known as irregularities in walking—as well as an impaired balance and posture. Individuals may notice a higher level of clumsiness and stumbling. While being clumsy and stumbling is typical of all of us from time to time, these things in excess can be an indication of Huntington’s. Thus, it might be worth getting evaluated by a medical professional if you or your loved one is experiencing gait abnormality.

3. Difficulties with speaking, breathing, and swallowing
Individuals with Huntington’s might find that they face challenges when it comes to speaking, breathing, and swallowing. This is due to the gradual loss of control regarding the throat muscles, as well as the weakness of respiratory muscles. If you notice that these difficulties are persistent in you or your loved one, speaking to a medical professional would be beneficial.

4. Mood swings or depression
Uncharacteristic irritability and a lack of emotional control are symptoms of Huntington’s. Outbursts may occur that involve hitting walls, slamming doors, screaming, swearing, and more. Aside from mood swings, depression is also a sign of Huntington’s disease. While all of this can be caused by plenty of other conditions, it might be worth consulting a medical professional—especially if you or your loved one is experiencing one or more other symptoms of Huntington’s.

5. Decline in reasoning and thinking skills
Concentration, judgment, reasoning, memory, and organizational and planning ability may all be impaired by Huntington’s. For instance, driving may become difficult due to it involving motor function and therefore being categorized as implicit memory. Having a hard time following directions and getting lost easily are both examples of struggles that may occur while driving.