The impact of Huntington's disease on the family

Abstract

This article describes the structural and emotional disturbances in families with one or more members affected by Huntington's disease, according to the different symptoms, the affected member (offspring, pa- rent) and the different stages of the disease. We consider that support services to the family should be made up of professionals who are specialists in the specific needs of the disease and who should help to plan and design individual, suitable and flexible support. This support should focus on overcoming the impact of the disease, providing relevant information, seeking practi- cal solutions, giving emotional support, designing spe- cific care in each case and each stage, and reducing fear of the future.