Lifestyle and home remedies

Managing Huntington's disease is demanding on the person with the disorder, family members and other in-home caregivers. As the disease progresses, the person will become more dependent on caregivers. A number of issues will need to be addressed, and strategies to cope with them will evolve.

Eating and nutrition

Factors regarding eating and nutrition include the following:

• Difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight. Difficulty eating, higher caloric needs due to physical exertion or unknown metabolic problems may be the cause. To get adequate nutrition, you may need to eat more than three meals a day or use dietary supplements.
• Difficulty with chewing, swallowing and fine motor skills. These problems can limit the amount of food you eat and increase the risk of choking. Problems may be minimized by removing distractions during a meal and selecting foods that are easier to eat. Utensils designed for people with limited fine motor skills and covered cups with straws or drinking spouts also can help.

Eventually, a person with Huntington's disease will need assistance with eating and drinking.

Managing cognitive and psychiatric disorders

Family and caregivers can help create an environment that may help a person with Huntington's disease avoid stressors and manage cognitive and behavioral challenges. These strategies include:

• Using calendars and schedules to help keep a regular routine
• Initiating tasks with reminders or assistance
• Prioritizing or organizing work or activities
• Breaking down tasks into manageable steps
• Creating an environment that is as calm, simple and structured as possible
• Identifying and avoiding stressors that can trigger outbursts, irritability, depression or other problems
• For school-age children or adolescents, consulting with school staff to develop an appropriate individual education plan
• Providing opportunities for the person to maintain social interactions and friendships as much as possible