Huntington's disease is a condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. It's passed on (inherited) from a person's parents. It gets gradually worse over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years.

Symptoms The symptoms usually start at 30 to 50 years of age, but can begin much earlier or later. Symptoms of Huntington's disease can include: difficulty concentrating and memory lapses

depression

stumbling and clumsiness

involuntary jerking or fidgety movements of the limbs and body

mood swings and personality changes

problems swallowing, speaking and breathing

difficulty moving Full-time nursing care is needed in the later stages of the condition. It's usually fatal about 15 to 20 years after symptoms start. Read more about the symptoms of Huntington's disease.

How it's inherited Huntington's disease is caused by a faulty gene that results in parts of the brain becoming gradually damaged over time. You're usually only at risk of developing it if one of your parents has or had it. Both men and women can get it. If a parent has the Huntington's disease gene, there's a: 1 in 2 (50%) chance of each of their children developing the condition – affected children are also able to pass the gene to any children they have

1 in 2 (50%) chance of each of their children never developing the condition – unaffected children can't pass the condition on to any children they have Very occasionally, it's possible to develop Huntington's disease without having a history of it in your family. But this is usually just because one of your parents was never diagnosed with it.

When to get medical advice Speak to your GP for advice if: you're worried you might have symptoms of Huntington's disease – especially if someone in your family has or had it

you have a history of the condition in your family and you want to find out if you will get it, too

you have a history of the condition in your family and you're planning a pregnancy Your GP may refer you to a specialist for tests to check for Huntington's disease.