Parkinsons diseaseandHuntingtons diseaseare both neurodegenerative diseases.
The main difference between these diseases is in their genetic makeup.
Huntingtons is an inherited disorder due to a genetic abnormality.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Learn more about the different symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment for these conditions.
Both Huntingtons and Parkinsons can cause symptoms that affect movement.
Cognitive decline or dementia can also occur in both.
Though Huntingtons and Parkinsons share some symptoms, they have a distinct set of symptoms that differentiate them.
Causes
The primary difference between Huntingtons disease and Parkinsons disease are their causes.
Huntingtons is triggered by genetics.
For Parkinsons, the causes are more complex.
What Causes Huntingtons Disease?
Huntingtons disease iscaused by a mutation in the HTT gene.
What Causes Parkinsons Disease?
Parkinsons disease is due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
A deficiency in the chemicaldopaminecan cause symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
Studies show that men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinsons than women.
All three diseases have proteins within the cells that do not assemble properly.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Huntingtons and Parkinsons can take time depending on the presentation of symptoms.
Physicians and neurologists can make a diagnosis based on a variety of factors.
Most treatment plans are focused on controlling symptoms.
Huntingtons Treatment
Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments that can stop or reverse Huntingtons disease.
Symptoms of Huntingtons can be treated throughvarious medications.
Patients with Huntingtons are at a higher risk of suicide.
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.
Prevention
Though studies on Huntingtons and Parkinsons disease are ongoing, prevention is unlikely.
Because Huntingtons disease is genetic, an individual cant stop the disease from occurring.
Due to the complex nature of Parkinsons disease and its causes,preventative factorsare being explored.
One of these is exercise, which has been shown to have some benefits in preventing Parkinsons.
Both theParkinsons FoundationandHuntingtons Disease Society of Americaoffer resources and support, including information and support groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
The basalgangliaare a complex system of neurons in the brain.
These are impaired in Huntingtons and Parkinsons, which leads to symptoms.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Neurodegenerative diseases.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Huntingtons disease.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinsons disease.
Alzheimers Association.What is dementia?
2004;75(4):637-639. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2003.020982
Parkinsons Foundation.Environmental factors.
2017;134(4):629-653. doi:10.1007/s00401-017-1722-x
Parkinsons Foundation.Getting diagnosed.
Epping EA, Paulsen JS.Depression in the early stages of Huntington disease.Neurodegener Dis Manag.
2011;1(5):407-414. doi:10.2217/nmt.11.45
National Institute on Aging.Parkinsons disease.
2020 Sep 3;12:571185. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.571185
