Huntington's disease
Noun: A specific, hereditary neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms typically develop in middle adulthood and include uncontrolled movements (chorea), emotional disturbances, and cognitive decline leading to dementia.
This term is used exclusively as a medical noun to name the specific condition. It is a proper noun and is often capitalized ('Huntington's disease'). It is used in clinical, scientific, and general discussions about the illness. * The genetic test confirmed a diagnosis of Huntington's disease. * Research into treatments for Huntington's disease is ongoing. * She is a caregiver for her father, who has Huntington's disease.
- "Huntington's chorea": An older, synonymous term for the disease, emphasizing the characteristic involuntary movements (chorea).
- The clinical presentation was consistent with Huntington's chorea.
- HD: A common abbreviation for Huntington's disease.
- The patient has a family history of HD.
- Huntington's: An informal shortening of the full term.
- They are participating in a fundraiser for Huntington's.
- Hereditary chorea: A descriptive synonym focusing on its inherited nature and motor symptoms.
- Huntington's chorea: (See Advanced Usage).
This term has only one specific meaning as defined above. It is not used idiomatically or in phrasal verbs.
- hereditary disease; develops in adulthood and ends in dementia