What is Huntington's Disease?
Huntington's Disease is a hereditary degenerative brain disorder which leads to both physical and mental disabilities. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50, but the disease may strike those as young as two or as old as 80.
What are the early symptoms of Huntington’s Disease?
The initial symptomsof Huntington’s Disease may include difficulty in concentration, depression, or twitching, but each person is affected differently and early symptoms vary from person to person.
Is there a test that can determine if I have Huntington's Disease?
Yes, testing is available to determine whether a person has the gene for Huntington's Disease. There are three categories of testing: pre-symptomatic, confirmatory, and prenatal testing. The decision about whether or not to be tested for Huntington's Disease is one which requires careful consideration. The Huntington's Disease Family Service Center performs testing for the presence of the Huntington's Disease gene using a protocol that will assist the individual in deciding if this test is right for him or her.
What are the Clinic locations?
There are currently three locations in New Jersey :
North - UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School
183 South Orange Ave.
Newark , NJ 07101 (973) 972-2977
Central - University Behavioral Health Care
671 Hoes Lane
Piscataway , NJ 08855 (732) 235-4402
South - Center for Aging
42 E. Laurel Road
Stratford , NJ 08084 (856) 566-6843
What other services does the Clinic provide?
All clinics provide medical treatment services including specialty care by neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, genetic testing and counseling, social services, individual and family counseling, and patient advocacy. The Center also provides consultation and education to community health care providers, organizations, and other interested parties. In addition, the Center offers support groups for caregivers and Huntington's Disease affected patients.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of services at the Clinic?
The Huntington's Disease Family Service Center accepts most health insurance plans. In addition, it offers sliding scale and payment plans for professional services. The social services and counseling services are provided free of charge.
How can I get more information on Huntington's Disease, the support groups, or about making an appointment at the Huntington's Disease Family Service Center?
To speak with someone about Huntington's Disease or the Clinic, contact the program Coordinator, Christine Hogan, LCSW, at (732) 235-5993.
For specific questions regarding pre-symptomatic testing and/or prenatal testing, contact Michael K. McCormack, PhD., Director, at (732) 235-5992.
What other websites provide information on Huntington’s Disease?
Links to non-State and Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) or New Jersey State Government, and none should be inferred. The NJDHSS is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/huntington.htm
National Human Genome Research Institute http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10001215
HD Links
http://get-me.to/hdlinks
Huntington’s Disease Lighthouse
http://hdlighthouse.org/
Huntington’s Disease Society of America
http://www.hdsa.org/
Huntington’s Disease Caregiving
http://hd_caregiving.tripod.com/huntingtonsdisease_caregiving/index.html
Worldwide Education and Awareness of Movement Disorders
http://www.wemove.org/hd/
Huntington’s Disease Society of America – New Jersey Chapter
http://www.hdsanj.org/
For more information contact:
Elizabeth Solan, R.N., MPH
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program
PO Box 364
Trenton, NJ
08625-0364
Phone: 609 984-6137
FAX: 609 292-9288
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