UConn Health

May 17, 2012 | Carolyn Pennington - Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine

UConn Health Center Hosts Free Huntington’s Disease Symposium May 19

The event aims to raise awareness and provide support to patients and their caregivers.

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In observance of Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month, the UConn Health Center is hosting a free symposium on Saturday, May 19 for caregivers, family members and patients.

Bonnie Hennig, a clinical therapist for the Huntington’s Disease Program at the Health Center, says the condition causes parts of the brain to degenerate and effects three areas of functioning (the 3 M’s):

  • Mood
  • Memory
  • Movements

The symptoms typically appear in mid-life (30 to 50 year old). The symptoms can be treated but the disease is eventually fatal.

  • Every child born to someone who has HD, has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene that causes HD
  • If a child does not inherit the gene, they will not get the disease
  • If a person has inherited the gene, they will eventually develop symptoms of HD

The Health Center has a five-day-a-week, free clinic located at the Farmington campus. It provides genetic counseling, gene testing, treatment of symptoms, and patient/family support. The clinic is also involved in research and clinical trials.

The Health Center has a monthly support group and will also be hosting a free symposium on May 19 for caregivers, family members and patients.

Huntington’s Disease Symposium
Saturday, May 19
8:30 a.m. till 4 p.m.
Farmington

Free and Open to the Public

Call 860-679-4919 to register.

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