About Us
The Huntington’s Disease Association is a UK registered charity that supports people affected by Huntington’s disease across England and Wales.
We provide information, advice and support to families, friends, and healthcare professionals.
The charity was founded in 1971 after a family who had been given a diagnosis of Huntington’s put a letter in the local paper asking if anyone knew of any other families in a similar situation. It began as a self-help group with 76 members and was known initially as the Association to Combat Huntington’s Chorea, later becoming the Huntington’s Disease Association.
Huntington’s disease is a life-limiting, genetic disorder that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It is caused by a faulty gene and is passed down through families. If a person inherits the gene they will develop the disease. Every child conceived naturally to a parent who carries the Huntington’s gene has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Huntington’s leads to symptoms affecting three main areas, movement, behaviour and cognition. Although there is, as yet, no cure, some symptoms can be managed to improve the person’s quality of life.
We raise awareness of Huntington’s disease and offer practical advice and support, training to health and social care professionals and fund research into the disease. We want a better life for anyone affected by Huntington’s disease.
