Tests could identify Huntingdon's disease earlier

A new range of tests could make earlier diagnoses of Huntingdon's disease possible, even before the appearance of noticeable symptoms.

According to a study published in the Lancet Neurology, the neuroimaging tests provide biomarkers that could be used in trials to assess the effectiveness of disease-modifying treatments.

Patients from Canada, France, the Netherlands and the UK with early forms of the disease were used in the study, which identified indicators such as grey and white matter differences in the brain and impairment in motor tasks.

"Our study shows the feasibility of rapidly obtaining reliable quantifiable endpoints that are effective over short periods, across multiple clinical sites and consequently shows important potential for future therapeutic trials in premanifest and early HD [Huntingdon's disease]," the authors said.

Recently, researchers discovered that a naturally-occurring compound in strawberries and other fruits and vegetables could be beneficial for people with Huntingdon's disease.

Find out how Barchester works to create safe and understanding environments for those living with Huntington's Disease.