Huntingtons Disease Treatments NYC - Dr. John Salerno

Huntington's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Medical Treatments by Salerno Wellness in Manhattan, NY, and Connecticut

I am a board-certified physician with over 30 years of experience, and I understand the devastating impact a diagnosis like Huntington's disease can have on you and your family. Watching symptoms worsen over time can be frustrating and significantly impact your quality of life, and I'm here to tell you that you don't have to go through this alone. I will review your history, learn about your unique challenges and circumstances, and work with you to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms. With a personalized combination of complementary, functional, and integrative treatments, we can create a tailored plan to help your body stay as healthy as possible and promote your overall well-being. 

-Dr. John Salerno

What is Huntington's Disease?

Huntington’s disease is named after Dr. George Huntington, the American physician who first described the condition in 1872. Dr. Huntington was just 22 years old when he published his landmark paper, “On Chorea,” which described a hereditary movement disorder affecting families in East Hampton, Long Island. Although earlier accounts of similar symptoms existed, Huntington’s report was considered the most accurate and complete portrayal of the disease’s progression, inheritance pattern, and psychiatric symptoms.

Huntington's disease is a progressive, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. This genetic condition leads to a gradual decline in cognitive, motor, and psychiatric functions. The disease is caused by a mutation in a single gene, the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which is inherited from a parent to a child. As the nerve cells degenerate over time, individuals experience a wide range of symptoms that worsen, significantly impacting their ability to think, move, and regulate emotions.

While the disease follows a predictable genetic pattern, the age of onset and the specific progression of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. The core issue involves the production of an abnormal huntingtin protein, which is toxic to brain cells, particularly in regions responsible for movement control and cognitive processes. This cellular damage ultimately results in the debilitating physical and mental decline associated with the condition. Understanding its complex nature is the first step toward managing its effects.

Types of Huntington's Disease

Although caused by the same gene mutation, Huntington's disease is generally classified by the age at which symptoms first appear. This classification helps in understanding the typical progression and challenges associated with each form.

• Adult-Onset Huntington's Disease: This is the most common form, with symptoms usually appearing in a person's 30s or 40s. The initial symptoms are often subtle, involving mood swings, cognitive difficulties, or minor involuntary movements, which gradually worsen over 15 to 20 years.

• Juvenile-Onset Huntington's Disease (Westphal Variant): This rare form begins in childhood or adolescence, before age 20. It often presents differently than the adult form, with symptoms such as muscle stiffness (rigidity), slowed movement, seizures, and a rapid decline in school performance, more common than chorea.

• Late-Onset Huntington's Disease: When symptoms begin after the age of 60, it is classified as late-onset. The progression of the disease may be slower in these individuals, and the symptoms might be less severe, sometimes being mistaken for other age-related conditions.

Common Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

The symptoms of Huntington's disease are diverse and can be categorized into three main areas: movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders. These symptoms typically develop slowly and worsen over 10 to 25 years. The manifestation and severity of these symptoms can differ significantly from person to person, making a personalized approach to care essential.

• Involuntary Movements (Chorea): This is one of the most recognizable symptoms of the disease. Individuals may experience uncontrollable jerking or writhing movements that can affect any part of the body, making daily activities like eating, dressing, and walking difficult.

• Cognitive Decline: The disease significantly impacts a person's ability to think and reason. This can manifest as difficulty organizing tasks, a lack of flexibility in thought, and problems with short-term memory and learning new information.

• Depression and Apathy: Psychiatric symptoms are very common and often appear early in the disease course. Patients may experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, social withdrawal, and a general lack of energy or motivation.

• Irritability and Mood Swings: Unexplained bouts of anger, frustration, and irritability are frequently reported. These emotional changes can strain relationships with family and caregivers and are a direct result of the disease's effect on the brain.

• Impaired Balance and Coordination: As the disease progresses, individuals often develop problems with posture, balance, and gait. This can increase the risk of falls and make navigating even familiar environments a challenge.

• Difficulty with Speech and Swallowing (Dysphagia): The muscles controlling speech and swallowing weaken over time. This can result in slurred speech and pose a serious risk of choking or aspiration, in which food or liquid enters the lungs.

• Weight Loss and Malnutrition: Many patients experience significant, unintentional weight loss. This is often due to a combination of increased caloric needs from constant movement, difficulty eating, and metabolic changes associated with the disease.

• Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Sleep patterns are frequently disrupted in individuals with Huntington's disease. This can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or changes in the sleep-wake cycle, leading to fatigue and worsening other symptoms.

Common Causes og Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is caused exclusively by a genetic mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene on chromosome 4. This gene contains a CAG (cytosine-adenine-guanine) trinucleotide repeat. In individuals without the disease, this segment repeats a limited number of times, but in those affected, the CAG section expands and repeats too many times. This genetic error leads to the production of an elongated, abnormal huntingtin protein that is toxic to nerve cells.

The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the faulty gene. The number of CAG repeats often correlates with age of onset; a higher number of repeats is typically associated with an earlier age of symptom onset. While genetics is the sole cause, factors such as environmental exposures, diet, and lifestyle may influence symptom expression and overall health, but do not cause the disease itself.

Related Medical Conditions That Can Be Treated at Salerno Wellness

Individuals with Huntington's disease often face a variety of related health issues that significantly impact their quality of life. Addressing these co-occurring conditions is a critical part of a comprehensive management plan. With my functional medicine approach, we can provide supportive care to help manage these related challenges alongside primary neurological treatment.

• Anxiety and Depression: These psychiatric conditions are extremely common, arising from both the neurological changes and the psychological stress of the diagnosis. We focus on natural therapies, nutritional support for neurotransmitter balance, and mind-body techniques to help stabilize mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.

• Insomnia: Disrupted sleep is a frequent complaint that worsens fatigue and cognitive function. Our approach involves identifying underlying causes, improving sleep hygiene, and using targeted supplements and lifestyle adjustments to promote more restorative sleep patterns.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Unintentional weight loss and swallowing difficulties can lead to significant malnutrition. A personalized nutrition plan, often including high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods and targeted IV nutrient therapy, can help maintain body weight and support overall health.

• Metabolic Issues: The disease can affect the body's metabolism, contributing to weight loss and energy depletion. We conduct comprehensive assessments to understand your metabolic state and develop strategies to optimize energy production and cellular health.

• Musculoskeletal Pain: Abnormal movements and muscle rigidity can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. Supportive therapies can help manage this pain, improve mobility, and reduce muscle stiffness, enhancing comfort in daily life.

• Chronic Inflammation: Neuroinflammation is a key component of the disease's progression. We utilize anti-inflammatory nutritional strategies and targeted supplementation to help modulate the body's inflammatory response and support neurological health.

Caregivers and family members seeking guidance on nutrition and lifestyle support for their loved ones are also encouraged to seek a consultation. My practice is a place for anyone committed to taking an active role in their health journey and exploring all avenues to improve their quality of life.

How Conventional Medicine Treats Huntington's Disease

Conventional treatment for Huntington's disease is managed by neurologists and focuses on alleviating symptoms to improve quality of life, as there is currently no cure. The primary approach involves medications to manage movement disorders, such as tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine, which help control chorea. Antipsychotic drugs may be used to suppress involuntary movements and manage psychiatric symptoms like agitation or outbursts. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers are commonly prescribed to address depression, anxiety, and irritability.

Beyond medication, a multidisciplinary team is essential. Physical therapy helps with balance and mobility, occupational therapy assists with adapting daily activities, and speech therapy addresses difficulties with communication and swallowing. Nutritional support from dietitians is also critical to combat weight loss. Patients may also be encouraged to participate in clinical trials exploring new potential therapies.

How Dr. John Salerno Treats Huntington's Disease

With over 30 years of experience in functional and integrative medicine, my approach to Huntington's disease is designed to complement and support conventional neurological care. We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique biochemistry, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors. My goal is to optimize your body’s internal environment to better cope with the challenges posed by the disease. This involves creating a personalized nutrition plan rich in anti-inflammatory foods and targeted supplementation with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, Coenzyme Q10, and B-complex vitamins to support mitochondrial function and neurological health.

We may utilize advanced IV nutrient therapy to deliver vital nutrients directly, bypassing potential absorption issues. I also emphasize lifestyle modifications and mind-body practices to manage stress and support mental well-being. By coordinating with your neurologist, we create a truly integrative plan that provides holistic, patient-centered support.

Possible Side Effects of Treatment

Any treatment, whether conventional or integrative, can carry side effects. Conventional medications used for Huntington's disease, such as those for chorea, can cause drowsiness, restlessness, or worsen depression. Integrative therapies are generally very safe, but certain high-dose supplements can interact with medications or cause mild gastrointestinal upset. For instance, IV therapy may carry a small risk of discomfort at the injection site. It is crucial to have a thorough discussion of your health history and current medications to minimize potential risks. My practice prioritizes safety and careful monitoring to ensure that any supportive therapy provides a clear benefit without causing harm.

What Can Happen if Left Untreated?

If Huntington's disease is left without comprehensive management, its symptoms will inevitably progress and lead to a severe decline in quality of life. The involuntary movements can become so pronounced that they interfere with all aspects of daily living, leading to falls and injuries. Cognitive decline will worsen, eventually robbing an individual of their independence and ability to communicate effectively.

Psychiatric symptoms like depression can become severe, and swallowing difficulties will increase the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia, which is a common cause of death. Without nutritional intervention, severe weight loss and malnutrition will further weaken the body. Ultimately, the person will require total care for all their needs. Proactive management is essential to slow the decline, manage complications, and maintain dignity for as long as possible.

Patient Case Study

Laura, a 42-year-old marketing executive, came to see me after her recent diagnosis of Huntington's disease, confirmed following a year of subtle but troubling symptoms. She had noticed increasing clumsiness, occasional muscle twitches, and a persistent "brain fog" that made her work challenging. Her neurologist had started her on a conventional medication to manage the early signs of chorea, but Laura felt anxious and wanted to do everything possible to support her long-term health by seeking Huntington's Disease Treatments in NYC.

During our initial consultation, we spent significant time discussing her lifestyle, diet, and the immense emotional toll of the diagnosis. Lab work revealed several nutritional deficiencies and markers of inflammation. We developed a collaborative plan that included a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet and a targeted supplement regimen to support mitochondrial health. Laura also began weekly IV therapy sessions with a blend of antioxidants and B vitamins.

Over the next six months, she reported feeling more energetic and mentally clear. While her chorea did not disappear, its progression seemed to stabilize, and her mood significantly improved. She felt empowered, having a proactive role in managing her condition alongside her neurologist's care.

Why Patients Choose Dr. John Salerno

Patients choose my practice because they are looking for a physician who sees them as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in integrative medicine, I offer a level of expertise and compassionate care that goes beyond standard treatment protocols. People appreciate the personalized health plans we create together, which are tailored to their unique biochemistry and lifestyle.

My approach of combining the best of functional medicine with conventional treatments provides a comprehensive support system. Patients value that I work in coordination with their neurologists, ensuring a cohesive and safe care strategy. My accessibility, with offices in both Manhattan, NY, and Connecticut, makes it convenient for individuals and families to receive consistent, high-level care. They come to me seeking a partner in their health journey who is committed to exploring every avenue for improving their well-being.

Additional References

• Huntington's Disease - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
• News and Events - Huntington's Disease Society of America