Complications
Once a person starts experiencing Huntington’s, their person’s functional abilities gradually worsen over time. The rate of disease progression and duration varies. The time from the first symptom to likely death complications is often about 10 to 30 years. Juvenile Huntington’s disease usually results in death within 10 years after symptoms develop.
The risk of suicide may be increased by the clinical depression linked to Huntington’s disease. According to several studies, the risk of suicide is highest before a diagnosis is established and during the later stages of the illness, when the patient begins to lose their independence.
A person with Huntington’s disease eventually needs assistance with all everyday tasks and caring for themselves. By the end of the illness, the patient will probably be bedridden and mute. While some people with Huntington’s disease won’t recognize family members, most people with the disease are able to understand language and are aware of their friends and relatives.
Common causes of death include:
- Injuries due to constant falling
- Pneumonia or other infections [5]
- Complications related to the inability to swallow