Treatments

No treatment has been shown to stop or reverse Huntington's disease, but some medications and therapies can control signs and symptoms.

Medication Options

Tranquilizers and Antipsychotics can help control the abnormal movements, violent outbursts and hallucinations that are typical of progressive Huntington's disease. However, they may cause sedation. Some may even cause additional stiffness and rigidity.

• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Haloperidol (Haldol)

Antidepressants are used to treat depression, mood swings and other emotional problems that develop.

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Speech Therapy

Huntington's disease impairs speech, which reduces the ability of patients to express complex thoughts. Speech therapy may help with this.

Physical & Occupational Therapy

Physical therapy is important to help keep muscles stronger and more flexible, which helps to maintain balance longer and lessen the risk of falling.

Occupational therapy provides strategies for coping with memory and concentration problems. Later in the disease, occupational therapy can assist with strategies for eating, dressing and self care.