HUNTINGTONS STAGES

Question 1

STAGE 1

Answer 1

EARLY STAGE (last 8 yrs from onset)
- non debilitating motor issues, fully functional at home/work, ADLs, mild cognitive & psychiatric symptoms

Question 2

STAGE 2

Answer 2

EARLY INTERMEDIATE (3-13 yrs from onset)
- day to day living impairments, able to do job but at lower capacity, some ADLs more difficult & may require assistance, severe chorea

Question 3

STAGE 3

Answer 3

LATE INTERMEDIATE/MIDDLE STAGE (5-16 yrs from onset)
- work difficulty, unable to manage household responsibilities independently, more impaired thinking, substantial help with ADLs & financial affairs, psychiatric & behavioral symptoms (irritable, anxious, impulsive), cognitive/psych/motor issues worsen

Question 4

STAGE 4

Answer 4

EARLY ADVANCED/LATE STAGE (9-21 yrs from onset)
- full ADL assist (aware of what needs to be done but max a)
- cannot live independently
- cannot work
- some patients reside at home with help, others in extended care facility

Question 5

STAGE 5

Answer 5

ADVANCED/LATE (11-26 yrs from onset)
- total ADL support
- chorea lessens, Parkinsonism increases
- walking/mobility, upright posture worsens
- increased fall risk
- difficult speech
- confusion/screaming
- worsening ability to swallow
- BP & temp fluctuations