https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/general-6 daily 1.0 2025-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8e953097216b5b30b878ad/1634442929298-OYHDNEK0D6OXI25R27VC/amaryllis-gd8aad76fd_1920.jpg Huntington's Disease Association (Wellington) Incorporated - We want to help you. We are a small charity providing support, advocacy and information to all those affected by Huntington’s Disease. We work closely with Amaryllis House in Lower Hutt, the first residential unit dedicated to the care of those with Huntington’s Disease in Aotearoa New Zealand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Huntington's Disease Association (Wellington) Incorporated https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Huntington's Disease Association (Wellington) Incorporated https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Huntington's Disease Association (Wellington) Incorporated https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/about-us daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/about-huntingtons daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/what-is-huntingtons daily 0.75 2021-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8e953097216b5b30b878ad/b7767c1f-7fbb-4912-87f8-e18dc463dd82/20200822_111500.jpg What is Huntingtons? - What is Huntington’s Disease (HD)? It is an inherited progressive neurological condition caused by a defective gene on Chromosome Four. Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. It does not skip a generation. It affects both males and females equally and people of all races. There is, as yet, no cure but much can be done to help the person with HD. Symptoms may begin at any time, but usually appear between the ages of 30-50. The duration of the disease varies with each person, often progressing over a period of 15-25 years. In March 1993, researches identified the gene that is responsible for the condition and predictive testing is now possible from the age of 18. HD creates a ripple effect because multiple generations of the same family are likely to experience the disease. Therefore, for every 10 people in NZ with the disorder, there are 1000 people who are directly affected by it. HD is referred to as the disease of families/whanau. In many families, more than one member may have HD at the same time and many members are at risk of developing the disease. Every member is affected emotionally, financially and socially and all family members need support, advice & care. https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/signs-and-symptons daily 0.75 2021-11-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8e953097216b5b30b878ad/231f3d23-9804-4598-81b2-6d30fe8ef4f8/HD+photo.jpg Signs and Symptons - Signs and Symptoms. Huntington’s Disease (HD) can be looked at as a disease made up of three disorders - a movement disorder, a cognitive (thinking) disorder and an emotional disorder. The following symptoms may develop although each individual with HD is different and has complex, unique needs. Involuntary movements are likely and problems with balance may result in falls. The muscles of speech are affected, words becoming slurred and speech becomes slow. Difficulty with communication increases as the condition progresses. Chewing and swallowing become increasingly difficult resulting in the need to adapt diets to prevent choking. Weight loss may be experienced and the person is often hungry - more calories are needed. Difficulty with planning, organising and completing tasks and it may be difficult to change easily from one activity to another. Attempting to do two tasks at the same time often proves difficult. They often have difficulty initiating an activity and may lack motivation. Inflexibility, lack of judgement, concentration and short term memory loss. Decision making may be impaired. Emotional changes with mood swings, periods of anger, irritability, obsession and irrational behaviour. They may suffer from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations and periods of delusion. https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/coping-with-huntingtons daily 0.75 2021-11-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8e953097216b5b30b878ad/5b1cf797-9e61-48e8-91d0-7614c946f2b6/IMG_20180407_102057.jpg Coping with Huntington's - Coping with Huntington’s. Through our Association the Nurse Advisor in your area can provide on-going support and advice. They can identify what services may be available and how to access them. A Support Needs Assessment can be undertaken to identify the help and support required. This may include home help, respite care, meals on wheels and many other services. The services of a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech -language therapist and dietician can be arranged for both advice and support. Maintain good dental hygiene and keep regular appointments with the dentist. Take regular exercise such as walking, yoga and swimming. Ask your GP about available medication to help relieve some of the symptoms. Ask to be assessed for the Total Mobility Scheme which will provide taxis at a reduced rate and void the need for driving. Visit your local Work & Income NZ office to discuss applying for the appropriate benefits. Seek advice from the local Genetic Services. Surround yourself with supportive people. Take advantage of the services of your local HD Nurse Advisor. Their knowledge is wide and valuable. https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/donate daily 0.75 2021-11-07 https://www.huntingtons.org.nz/amaryllis-house daily 0.75 2021-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f8e953097216b5b30b878ad/8b88497e-5f06-48d5-810a-11ebcf96f85a/plant-gac2ce08d6_1920.jpg Amaryllis House