Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Parkinson’s diseaseandHuntington’s diseaseare both neurodegenerative diseases. These types of diseases occur when nerve cells in the brain or peripheral nervous system deteriorate and die off over time.
While there is some overlap between Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, in that they both affect movement, there are distinct differences. The main difference between these diseases is in their genetic makeup.
Learn more about the different symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment for these conditions.
Verywell / Laura Porter
With neurodegenerative illness, affected nerve cells can produce a variety of symptoms, including involuntary movement, trembling in the hands, poor balance and coordination, and difficulty making decisions or learning new information.
Both Huntington’s and Parkinson’s can cause symptoms that affect movement. Cognitive decline or dementia can also occur in both.
Though Huntington’s and Parkinson’s share some symptoms, they have a distinct set of symptoms that differentiate them.
Huntington’s Disease Symptoms
The primary symptoms of Huntington’s disease, which typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50, include:
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease typically starts around age 70, though it can begin earlier. Its primary symptoms include:
People with Parkinson’s can also experience other symptoms, such as:
Dementia With Parkinson’s and Huntington’sDementiais the general term for a decline in cognition and memory that is severe enough to affect activities of daily life.Dementia can occur in both Huntington’s and Parkinson’s.
Dementia With Parkinson’s and Huntington’s
Dementiais the general term for a decline in cognition and memory that is severe enough to affect activities of daily life.Dementia can occur in both Huntington’s and Parkinson’s.
What Causes Huntington’s Disease?
In Huntington’s disease, a DNA segment within this gene, called the CAG trinucleotide repeat, is repeated more often than is normal.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
In about 15% of cases, Parkinson’s occurs in individuals with afamily history of the disease, due to gene mutations and alterations that are passed down.
Age is a large risk factor for developing Parkinson’s.People over the age of 60 have the highest risk of developing the disease.
Studies show that men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.
Other environmental risk factors that can lead to Parkinson’s include:
Possible Link to Alzheimer’sThoughAlzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s are distinctly different diseases, some evidence has emerged that shows a common link between the three.All three diseases have proteins within the cells that do not assemble properly. Though the molecular and cellular changes that occur in each disease vary greatly, this protein degradation has been shown to precede early clinical signs in each disease. This is promising news, as more studies are being done to determine whether this can either predict or prevent these neurodegenerative diseases.
Possible Link to Alzheimer’s
ThoughAlzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s are distinctly different diseases, some evidence has emerged that shows a common link between the three.All three diseases have proteins within the cells that do not assemble properly. Though the molecular and cellular changes that occur in each disease vary greatly, this protein degradation has been shown to precede early clinical signs in each disease. This is promising news, as more studies are being done to determine whether this can either predict or prevent these neurodegenerative diseases.
ThoughAlzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s are distinctly different diseases, some evidence has emerged that shows a common link between the three.
All three diseases have proteins within the cells that do not assemble properly. Though the molecular and cellular changes that occur in each disease vary greatly, this protein degradation has been shown to precede early clinical signs in each disease. This is promising news, as more studies are being done to determine whether this can either predict or prevent these neurodegenerative diseases.
Diagnosing Huntington’s and Parkinson’s can take time depending on the presentation of symptoms. Physicians and neurologists can make a diagnosis based on a variety of factors.
Huntington’s Diagnosis
A Huntington’s diagnosis can be achieved through a combination of genetic and neurological testing:
Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be difficult, especially during the early stages of the disease. However, physicians can come to a reasonable conclusion of Parkinson’s if a patient experiences two of the following major symptoms over a period of time:
Seek Out SpecialistsBecause diagnosing Huntington’s and Parkinson’s can be complex, patients may want to seek out a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders for a diagnosis.
Seek Out Specialists
Because diagnosing Huntington’s and Parkinson’s can be complex, patients may want to seek out a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders for a diagnosis.
While there is no cure for Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease, starting and maintaining a treatment plan can help manage the disease and maintain a strong quality of life for as long as possible.
Most treatment plans are focused on controlling symptoms.
Huntington’s Treatment
Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments that can stop or reverse Huntington’s disease. There are, however, medications that can help with movement issues and the emotional issues that come with a diagnosis.
Symptoms of Huntington’s can be treated throughvarious medications. These can include:
Depression With Huntington’s DiseaseDue to the nature and lower life expectancy of Huntington’s disease, it is common for a diagnosis to lead to depression. Patients with Huntington’s are at a higher risk of suicide.If you are struggling with your Huntington’s diagnosis or prognosis, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineonline or call1-800-662-4357to seek help.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.For more mental health resources, including a helpful list of links and hotline numbers, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Depression With Huntington’s Disease
Due to the nature and lower life expectancy of Huntington’s disease, it is common for a diagnosis to lead to depression. Patients with Huntington’s are at a higher risk of suicide.If you are struggling with your Huntington’s diagnosis or prognosis, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineonline or call1-800-662-4357to seek help.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.For more mental health resources, including a helpful list of links and hotline numbers, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Due to the nature and lower life expectancy of Huntington’s disease, it is common for a diagnosis to lead to depression. Patients with Huntington’s are at a higher risk of suicide.
If you are struggling with your Huntington’s diagnosis or prognosis, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineonline or call1-800-662-4357to seek help.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
For more mental health resources, including a helpful list of links and hotline numbers, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Parkinson’s Treatment
Treatment for Parkinson’s diseasedepends on the individual’s symptoms, but the primary treatment for Parkinson’s is medication.
The most common medications used to treat Parkinson’s include:
Other treatments for Parkinson’s disease include deep brain stimulation to help with tremors and rigidity, and therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help with daily functions.
Eating a healthy diet and exercising to strengthen muscles can also be a part of the treatment plan for Parkinson’s.
Though studies on Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease are ongoing, prevention is unlikely.
Because Huntington’s disease is genetic, an individual can’t stop the disease from occurring.
Due to the complex nature of Parkinson’s disease and its causes,preventative factorsare being explored. One of these is exercise, which has been shown to have some benefits in preventing Parkinson’s.
A Word From Verywell
A diagnosis of Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease can be upsetting and create challenges in your life. Staying informed, talking to your physician about treatment options to manage symptoms, as well as connecting with others who are going through similar experiences, can help you live well with either disease. Both theParkinson’s FoundationandHuntington’s Disease Society of Americaoffer resources and support, including information and support groups.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe basalgangliaare a complex system of neurons in the brain. These are impaired in Huntington’s and Parkinson’s, which leads to symptoms.Those who takelevodopato treat Parkinson’s may experience morning akinesia, or a delayed onset of relief from the medication in the early morning.While both cause uncontrollable movements, Huntington’s causes more jerky movements, whereas Parkinson’s displays as a more constant tremor.There is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and others such asALSandAlzheimer’s, though studies are being conducted all the time to look at causes, treatments, and possible cures.
The basalgangliaare a complex system of neurons in the brain. These are impaired in Huntington’s and Parkinson’s, which leads to symptoms.
Those who takelevodopato treat Parkinson’s may experience morning akinesia, or a delayed onset of relief from the medication in the early morning.
While both cause uncontrollable movements, Huntington’s causes more jerky movements, whereas Parkinson’s displays as a more constant tremor.
There is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and others such asALSandAlzheimer’s, though studies are being conducted all the time to look at causes, treatments, and possible cures.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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