© Inserm / Yasmina Saoudi

Huntington’s is a hereditary disease causing neurodegenerescence in adults who have the particular genetic defect. People with Huntingdon’s gradually develop psychiatric symptoms (depression, aggressiveness, agitation, etc.), cognitive disorders (loss of memory, confusion, etc.) and problems with movement such as balance, speech, swallowing etc.

In France, it is estimated that 6,000 people have Huntington’s disease (and that 12,000 people carry the genetic defect).

The first Huntingdon’s Disease Day in France has been organised under the aegis of the Scientific Council of the Huntingdon Association France and the Reference Centre for Huntington’s Disease, and with the Institut Curie. It aims to bring together researchers, patient management structures, government bodies and families to provide information on the progress of research and medicine and increase the use of participatory approaches.

During the Day, 15 experts will give a progress report on the understanding and management of this much-studied disease, with conceptual progress and approaches that may help in improving disease-control initiatives for neurodegenerative diseases.  

For further information on Huntingdon’s disease, please contact Christian NERI, who was originally behind this day, and is head of the Inserm team “Biology and Pathology of the Neuron”.

Latest news on Huntingdon’s disease:

Where does the energy come from that is needed for transport in neurons?– Jan 2013