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
Huntington’sdisease (HD)andamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)are progressiveneurodegenerative(nerve-dying) diseases that affect movement. Apart from this broad similarity, HD and ALS are separate conditions.
Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition associated with uncontrolled movements, psychiatric disturbances, and cognitive decline. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is associated with muscle weakness and (eventually) complete paralysis. The vast majority of ALS cases are not inherited.
This article reviews the key differences between Huntington’s disease and ALS, including their unique causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
gorodenkoff / Getty Images
The symptoms of Huntington’s disease and ALS worsen over time, although they differ in type and how fast they progress.
Huntington’s Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of Huntington’s disease typically become noticeable between ages 30 and 50. The condition lasts around 15 to 20 years, from the start of symptoms to full-time care dependency and death.
Symptoms are motor (movement-related), cognitive, and psychiatric. They commonly include:
The 5 Stages of Huntington’s Disease
ALS Symptoms
ALS is most likely to strike between the ages of 55 and 75.The disease’s hallmark symptom is muscle weakness, leading to completeparalysisand death within a matter of years.
The weakness of ALS classically begins in an arm or leg before spreading throughout the entire body. Over time, people lose their ability to dress, bathe, walk, eat, and breathe independently.
Besides physical impairment, cognitive and behavioral dysfunction, like difficulties with problem-solving, apathy, and depression, may arise in ALS, especially as the disease progresses.
What Are the Stages of ALS?
What Causes Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease is anautosomaldominant disorder. If either parent has Huntington’s disease, their child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene and developing it.
What Causes ALS?
ALS involves the death of motorneurons(nerve cells that control muscle movement) within a person’s brain and spinal cord.
Unlike Huntington’s, ALS does not usually run in families, although there is a genetic component. Over 50 genes are identified as being linked to ALS.
Interestingly, many of these genes are involved in RNA metabolism. RNA is a molecule within living cells that creates proteins using cells' genetic information. As such, scientists believe that mechanisms like RNA misprocessing and the proteins produced not folding correctly may be involved in the nerve cell death seen in ALS.
Besides genetics, various environmental factors may increase a person’s chances of developing ALS. Some of these factors are:
ALS Age of Onset, Risk Factors, and Early Signs
The diagnosis of Huntington’s disease can be confirmed with a single genetic blood test. For ALS, the diagnosis requires a bit more detective work.
Huntington’s Disease Diagnosis
A person’s symptoms and family history may provide the first clues to Huntington’s disease. A genetic blood test that checks for the presence of the HTT mutation can then confirm the diagnosis.
The HTT gene mutation is found onchromosome4 and is associated with increased CAG repeats.
What Is CAG?“CAG” stands for the nucleic acids cytosine, adenine, and guanine. These are molecules in DNA that code for proteins.
What Is CAG?
“CAG” stands for the nucleic acids cytosine, adenine, and guanine. These are molecules in DNA that code for proteins.
Huntington’s disease develops when increased CAG repeats are present. Usually, people have less than 26 CAG repeats. Those with 36 to 39 CAG repeats may or may not manifest the disease, whereas those with 40 or more repeats definitely will.
ALS Diagnosis
Various tests will be ordered to help confirm the diagnosis. Some of these diagnostic tests include:
How Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Is Diagnosed
Both Huntington’s disease and ALS are fatal, incurable diseases. Treatments generally focus on managing specific symptoms, preventing complications, and maintaining comfort and quality of life.
Huntington’s Disease Treatment
There are severaltreatments, especially prescription medications, that can help individuals living with Huntington’s disease manage their symptoms.
Examples of such medications include:
In addition to medication, rehabilitation therapies, including exercise therapy,speech therapy, andswallow therapy, are often integral components of treatment plans.
Increased Suicide Risk in Huntington’sPeople living with Huntington’s disease are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide), attempting suicide, and committing suicide.If you have suicidal thoughts, dial988to reach the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained crisis worker. Call911or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
Increased Suicide Risk in Huntington’s
People living with Huntington’s disease are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide), attempting suicide, and committing suicide.If you have suicidal thoughts, dial988to reach the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained crisis worker. Call911or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
People living with Huntington’s disease are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide), attempting suicide, and committing suicide.
If you have suicidal thoughts, dial988to reach the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained crisis worker. Call911or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
Caring for Someone With Huntington’s Disease
ALS Treatment
As with Huntington’s disease, therapies for ALS are primarily supportive. They often include:
ALS Life Expectancy
The only way to prevent Huntington’s disease in future generations is to not have children if you know you have the gene for the condition. People with a parent who has Huntington’s can have a genetic test to see if they also have Huntington’s. If the gene is not present, they will not transmit the condition to their children.
While there is currently no definitive way to prevent ALS, limited research suggests that eating certain foods, such as whole-grain bread, citrus fruits, and raw vegetables, may protect you against developing ALS.Clinical trials looking into other possible ALS preventive factors are also underway.
Summary
Huntington’s disease and ALS are progressive, neurodegenerative diseases that differ vastly in cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Treatments for Huntington’s disease and ALS aim to maintain the person’s quality of life for as long as possible. Of note, there are three FDA-approved drugs intended to help slow ALS down. No such drugs exist yet for Huntington’s disease.
A Word From Verywell
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition like Huntington’s disease or ALS, know that it’s natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions. You might exhibit anxiety, despair, anger, or even emotional numbness. These feelings can ebb and flow as you navigate the various challenges of living with such a disease.
While being diagnosed with HD or ALS is distressing, know that you are not alone. A trained therapist or psychologist, along with your healthcare provider, can help you cope with the disease’s difficulties and maintain a positive and hopeful mindset.
Huntington’s disease and ALS are associated with motor (movement-related) symptoms. The hallmark motor symptom of Huntington’s disease is uncontrollable movements (chorea). For ALS, the hallmark symptom is widespread muscle weakness.Huntington’s disease also causes significant cognitive and psychiatric symptoms (e.g., trouble concentrating, hallucinations, depression).Learn MoreThe Signs and Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s disease and ALS are associated with motor (movement-related) symptoms. The hallmark motor symptom of Huntington’s disease is uncontrollable movements (chorea). For ALS, the hallmark symptom is widespread muscle weakness.Huntington’s disease also causes significant cognitive and psychiatric symptoms (e.g., trouble concentrating, hallucinations, depression).
Huntington’s disease and ALS are associated with motor (movement-related) symptoms. The hallmark motor symptom of Huntington’s disease is uncontrollable movements (chorea). For ALS, the hallmark symptom is widespread muscle weakness.
Huntington’s disease also causes significant cognitive and psychiatric symptoms (e.g., trouble concentrating, hallucinations, depression).
Learn MoreThe Signs and Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease
There is no cure for either condition. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and maintaining the quality of life. Currently, there are three FDA-approved ALS drugs intended to slow disease progression. There are no treatments that can help slow the progression of Huntington’s disease.Learn MoreCoping With ALS, an Incurable Disease
There is no cure for either condition. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and maintaining the quality of life. Currently, there are three FDA-approved ALS drugs intended to slow disease progression. There are no treatments that can help slow the progression of Huntington’s disease.
Learn MoreCoping With ALS, an Incurable Disease
Learn MoreInheritance and Causes of Huntington’s Disease
13 SourcesVerywell 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.Solberg OK, Filkuková P, Frich JC, Feragen KJB.Age at death and causes of death in patients with Huntington disease in Norway in 1986-2015.J Huntingtons Dis. 2018;7(1):77-86. doi:10.3233/JHD-170270National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Crockford C, Newton J, Lonergan K, et al.ALS-specific cognitive and behavior changes associated with advancing disease stage in ALS.Neurology. 2018;91(15):e1370-e1380. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006317Bates GP, Dorsey R, Gusella JF, et al.Huntington disease.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15005. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.5Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066Barmada SJ.Linking RNA dysfunction and neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(2):340-51. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0340-3Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-888. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009UC Davis Health. Huntington’s Disease Clinic.The Huntington gene.Ghasemi M.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mimic syndromes.Iran J Neurol. 2016;15(2):85-91National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease: hope through research.Kachian ZR, Cohen-Zimerman S, Bega D, Gordon B, Grafman J.Suicidal ideation and behavior in Huntington’s disease: Systematic review and recommendations.J Affect Disord. 2019;250:319-329. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2019.03.043Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002
13 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.Solberg OK, Filkuková P, Frich JC, Feragen KJB.Age at death and causes of death in patients with Huntington disease in Norway in 1986-2015.J Huntingtons Dis. 2018;7(1):77-86. doi:10.3233/JHD-170270National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Crockford C, Newton J, Lonergan K, et al.ALS-specific cognitive and behavior changes associated with advancing disease stage in ALS.Neurology. 2018;91(15):e1370-e1380. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006317Bates GP, Dorsey R, Gusella JF, et al.Huntington disease.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15005. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.5Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066Barmada SJ.Linking RNA dysfunction and neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(2):340-51. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0340-3Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-888. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009UC Davis Health. Huntington’s Disease Clinic.The Huntington gene.Ghasemi M.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mimic syndromes.Iran J Neurol. 2016;15(2):85-91National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease: hope through research.Kachian ZR, Cohen-Zimerman S, Bega D, Gordon B, Grafman J.Suicidal ideation and behavior in Huntington’s disease: Systematic review and recommendations.J Affect Disord. 2019;250:319-329. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2019.03.043Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002
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.
Solberg OK, Filkuková P, Frich JC, Feragen KJB.Age at death and causes of death in patients with Huntington disease in Norway in 1986-2015.J Huntingtons Dis. 2018;7(1):77-86. doi:10.3233/JHD-170270National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Crockford C, Newton J, Lonergan K, et al.ALS-specific cognitive and behavior changes associated with advancing disease stage in ALS.Neurology. 2018;91(15):e1370-e1380. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006317Bates GP, Dorsey R, Gusella JF, et al.Huntington disease.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15005. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.5Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066Barmada SJ.Linking RNA dysfunction and neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(2):340-51. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0340-3Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-888. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009UC Davis Health. Huntington’s Disease Clinic.The Huntington gene.Ghasemi M.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mimic syndromes.Iran J Neurol. 2016;15(2):85-91National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease: hope through research.Kachian ZR, Cohen-Zimerman S, Bega D, Gordon B, Grafman J.Suicidal ideation and behavior in Huntington’s disease: Systematic review and recommendations.J Affect Disord. 2019;250:319-329. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2019.03.043Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002
Solberg OK, Filkuková P, Frich JC, Feragen KJB.Age at death and causes of death in patients with Huntington disease in Norway in 1986-2015.J Huntingtons Dis. 2018;7(1):77-86. doi:10.3233/JHD-170270
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Crockford C, Newton J, Lonergan K, et al.ALS-specific cognitive and behavior changes associated with advancing disease stage in ALS.Neurology. 2018;91(15):e1370-e1380. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006317
Bates GP, Dorsey R, Gusella JF, et al.Huntington disease.Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15005. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2015.5
Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066
Barmada SJ.Linking RNA dysfunction and neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(2):340-51. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0340-3
Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-888. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009
UC Davis Health. Huntington’s Disease Clinic.The Huntington gene.
Ghasemi M.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mimic syndromes.Iran J Neurol. 2016;15(2):85-91
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntington’s disease: hope through research.
Kachian ZR, Cohen-Zimerman S, Bega D, Gordon B, Grafman J.Suicidal ideation and behavior in Huntington’s disease: Systematic review and recommendations.J Affect Disord. 2019;250:319-329. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2019.03.043
Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002
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