7. The Tragedy of Juvenile Huntington’s Disease: When HD Strikes Early
The impact of Huntington’s disease is profound at any age, but when it strikes in childhood or adolescence, it’s particularly devastating. Juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) represents a small but significant portion of HD cases, and its presentation differs in key ways from adult-onset HD.
JHD typically manifests before the age of 20 and progresses more rapidly than adult-onset HD. In most cases, it inherits from an affected father due to genetic factors, but it’s not an exclusive rule. A critical point to note is that symptoms in JHD often differ from those in adult-onset HD.
Motor symptoms are present, but instead of the dance-like movements characteristic of adult-onset HD, children with JHD often experience rigidity, slow movements, and tremors. Walking might become increasingly difficult, leading to frequent falls. They might also have seizures, a symptom not commonly seen in adults with HD.
On the cognitive front, JHD often presents with declining school performance, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties. Psychiatric symptoms can also emerge, with changes in personality, mood swings, and even hallucinations in some cases.(7)
