HDSA currently supports more than 40 scientists and 17 major HD laboratories in North America and around the world through our HDSA Coalition for the Cure with annual grants which range from $ Centers of Excellence at locations in major hospitals and university medical centers are supported by HDSA across the continental United States. The national office also produces and distributes, free of charge, publications and informational materials on HD and maintains a toll-free information hotline to assist physicians, patients and family members. Through 12 HDSA regions, 37 volunteer-based chapters and affiliates , 150+ support groups , we reach out across the nation to offer HD patients and their families guidance, encouragement, resource information and leadership opportunities at HDSA events , meetings and seminars -- truly a place to care, share while we all work toward a cure. We also work towards change through our HDSA advocacy programs.

Huntington's Disease : a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is, at present, no effective treatment or cure. HD slowly diminishes the affected individual's ability to walk, think, talk and reason. Eventually, the person with HD becomes totally dependent upon others for his or her care. Huntington's Disease profoundly affects the lives of entire families -- emotionally, socially and economically.

Early symptoms of Huntington's Disease may affect cognitive ability or mobility and include depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, clumsiness, involuntary twitching and lack of coordination. As the disease progresses, concentration and short-term memory diminish and involuntary movements of the head, trunk and limbs increase. Walking, speaking and swallowing abilities deteriorate. Eventually the person is unable to care for him or herself. Death follows from complications such as choking, infection or heart failure.

HD typically begins in mid-life, between the ages of 30 and 45, though onset may occur as early as the age of 2. Children who develop the juvenile form of the disease rarely live to adulthood.

HD affects males and females equally and crosses all ethnic and racial boundaries. Each child of a person with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the fatal gene. Everyone who carries the gene will develop the disease. In 1993, the HD gene was isolated and a direct genetic test developed which can accurately determine whether a person carries the HD gene. The test cannot predict when symptoms will begin. However, in the absence of a cure, some individuals "at risk" elect not to take the test.

Since the discovery of the gene that causes HD, scientific research has accelerated and much has been added to our understanding of Huntington's Disease and its effects upon different individuals. By continuing to increase investment in both clinical and basic HD research each year, breakthroughs in treatment - and a cure can be forthcoming.