University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Huntington's disease has 5 stages. Stage 2 is where HD is usually first diagnosed.
- Stage 1: Preclinical stage
- Stage 2: Early stage 
- Stage 3: Middle stage 
- Stage 4: Late stage
- Stage 5: End-of-life stage

Huntington's Disease (HD) | Stages

General Sources (e.g., reliable websites, textbooks)
- HOPES (Huntington's Outreach Project For Education) Stanford University
- Huntington's Disease Society of America
- MedicineNet
- Medline Plus | U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Wikipedia

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Huntington Disease References

MedicineNet

Even years before HD is typically diagnosed, the brain's already affected.
- Cognitive signs: impaired emotion recognition, mild cognitive impairment
- Behavioral signs: slight increase in risk of mood problems (the risk increases a lot in the year leading up to the diagnosis)
- Motor and physical symptoms are almost always absent at this stage.

Huntington's Disease (HD) | Preclinical Stage (Stage 1)

In this stage, serious behavioral symptoms (e.g., depression, irritability, disinhibition) often occur. Cognitive and motor symptoms become noticeable, although still relatively minor.

Huntington's Disease (HD) | Early Stage (Stage 2)

In this stage, behavioral symptoms (e.g., depression, irritability, disinhibition) are often serious. Motor and cognitive symptoms become problematic. By this stage, usually, patients cannot drive, work, or do household work easily.

Huntington's Disease (HD) | Middle Stage (Stage 3)

In this stage, motor and cognitive symptoms are severe, although behavioral symptoms tend to improve slightly (compared to the middle stage). By this point, patients are unable to work, drive, and do household work. Eventually, patients become bedridden and can't walk and swallow.

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