What is Huntington’s disease?

Huntington’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by a genetic change that is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that a child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. It affects motor function, cognition and mental health or behaviour, and symptoms often begin in adulthood, although age of onset can vary.

Common features of Huntington’s disease can include:

• involuntary movements such as chorea

• problems with walking, balance or coordination

• changes in thinking, planning or concentration

• mood, behaviour or personality changes

• speech and swallowing difficulties in some people

• increasing difficulty with everyday activities over time.
  
  

How Huntington’s disease may affect daily function

Huntington’s disease affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• transfers and everyday movement

• hand use and daily tasks

• communication and speech clarity

• swallowing and mealtime safety

• thinking, planning and routines

• participation at home, work or in the community.

Because Huntington’s disease changes over time, allied health support often needs to be adjusted as the person’s function, fatigue, safety or support needs change. HDSA materials note that physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology can all help address functional difficulties across the course of the disease.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with Huntington’s disease where there are goals related to mobility, balance, transfers, walking, posture, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• strength and activity-based support

• fatigue-aware physical activity planning

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate. HDSA specifically notes that physical therapists can help people with Huntington’s disease develop strength and move more safely.
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when Huntington’s disease is affecting daily living, routines, hand use, fatigue management, home safety, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• task simplification or environmental adaptation

• home safety recommendations

• fatigue management and pacing

• equipment or assistive technology suggestions where appropriate. HDSA notes that occupational therapists can help adjust the home environment and daily activities as needed.
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be relevant where Huntington’s disease affects speech, language, communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing. HDSA resources specifically describe communication and swallowing problems across different stages of Huntington’s disease, and note that dysphagia is common.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some adults with Huntington’s disease who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance or structured physical activity. HDSA notes that research suggests exercise may be beneficial for reducing symptoms and maximising function in people with Huntington’s disease. Exercise programs should still be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, balance and safety needs.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how Huntington’s disease is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

helping with transfers and everyday tasks

supporting communication or swallowing needs

adapting routines as function changes

supporting safety and participation in daily life.

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, GP, neurologist and broader support team where appropriate. Huntington’s disease commonly affects movement, cognition and behaviour together, so a multidisciplinary approach is often helpful.

FAQ

What is Huntington’s disease?

Huntington’s disease is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects movement, thinking and mood.

Is Huntington’s disease genetic?

Yes. Huntington’s disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means a child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting it.

Can physiotherapy help with Huntington’s disease?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, balance, transfers, strength and physical participation for people living with Huntington’s disease. HDSA notes that physical therapists can help patients develop strength and move safely.

Can occupational therapy help with Huntington’s disease?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, home safety, routines, fatigue management, equipment and independence. HDSA notes that occupational therapists can help adjust the home environment and activities as needed.

Can Huntington’s disease affect speech or swallowing?

Yes. HDSA resources describe speech, communication and swallowing difficulties as common concerns in Huntington’s disease, and note that dysphagia can lead to choking risks.

Does everyone with Huntington’s disease need speech pathology?

Not always, but speech pathology may be relevant where the person has communication, speech, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can adults with Huntington’s disease access allied health support?

Yes. Adults with Huntington’s disease may benefit from allied health support related to mobility, balance, daily function, communication, swallowing, safety and participation.

Can allied health treat Huntington’s disease itself?

No. There is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease. Allied health does not treat the disease itself, but may support function, safety and day-to-day quality of life as symptoms change over time.

If you or your family member is living with Huntington’s disease and would like support with mobility, balance, daily function, communication or swallowing, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

External Resources for Huntington's Disease in Australia

Huntington’s Disease Association of Australia
https://www.huntingtonsnsw.org.au
Offers resources, support, and information for individuals and families affected by Huntington's Disease.

Huntington's Disease Society of America
https://hdsa.org
Provides educational resources, advocacy, and support services for Huntington's Disease.

Better Health Channel – Huntington's Disease
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
A comprehensive overview of Huntington's Disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
https://www.ndis.gov.au
Provides support for Australians with disabilities, including those living with Huntington's Disease.

Australian Physiotherapy Association – Huntington's Disease Resources
https://australian.physio
Resources and insights for physiotherapists working with individuals affected by Huntington's Disease.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.