http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/huntington's_disease/ Read the latest research news on Huntington's Disease. Learn about genetic risks, potential new treatments and more. en-us Mon, 20 May 2013 01:54:19 EDT Mon, 20 May 2013 01:54:19 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/huntington's_disease/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425091614.htm Melatonin injections delayed symptom onset and reduced mortality in a mouse model of the neurodegenerative condition amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, according to a new study. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425091614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131219.htm A significant breakthrough has been made towards developing an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers have detailed how an enzyme in the brain interacts with a promising drug-like lead compound for Huntington's disease to inhibit its activity. Their findings demonstrate that it can be developed as an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314180142.htm Scientists have released new results on the structure and molecular details of the neurodegenerative disease-associated protein Ataxin-1. Mutations in Ataxin-1 cause the neurological disease, Spinocerebella Ataxia Type 1, which is characterized by a loss of muscular coordination and balance, as is seen in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314180142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113826.htm A three molecule complex may be a target for treating Huntington's disease, a genetic disorder affecting the brain. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130107110030.htm Scientists have wrestled to understand why Huntington's disease, which is caused by a single gene mutation, can produce such variable symptoms. An authoritative review by a group of leading experts summarizes the progress relating cell loss in the striatum and cerebral cortex to symptom profile in Huntington's disease, suggesting a possible direction for developing targeted therapies. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130107110030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121206094454.htm A new understanding of what takes place on the cellular level during the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS and Huntington’s diseases, offers promise towards possible new strategies for combating such diseases, say researchers. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121206094454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121127093951.htm Researchers have identified and “switched off” a chemical chain that causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dementia. The findings could one day be of particular therapeutic benefit to Huntington’s disease patients. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121127093951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121101153553.htm There's new hope in the fight against Huntington's disease. Scientists have helped design a compound that suppresses symptoms of the devastating disease in mice. The compound is a synthetic antioxidant that targets mitochondria, an organelle that serves as a cell's power plant. Oxidative damage to mitochondria is implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121101153553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121017132023.htm A new study provides novel insight into the impact that Huntington's disease has on the brain. Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121017132023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121010131358.htm Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited genetic disorder caused by the multiple repetition of a DNA sequence (the nucleotides CAG) in the gene encoding a protein called "Huntingtin". People who do not suffer from the disease have this sequence repeated 10 to 29 times. But in an affected person, the triplet is present more than 35 times. New research provides positive results reducing the chromosomal expression of the mutant gene, which would prevent the development of disease. Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121010131358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917123933.htm A new light-based technique for measuring levels of the toxic protein that causes Huntington's disease (HD) has been used to demonstrate that the protein builds up gradually in blood cells. The findings shed light on how the protein causes damage in the brain, and could be useful for monitoring the progression of HD, or testing new drugs aimed at suppressing production of the harmful protein. Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917123933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120914080640.htm People who bear the genetic mutation for Huntington's disease learn faster than healthy people. The more pronounced the mutation was, the more quickly they learned. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120914080640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120711141853.htm Researchers have identified two key regulatory proteins critical to clearing away misfolded proteins that accumulate and cause the progressive, deadly neurodegeneration of Huntington’s disease (HD). Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120711141853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120702132939.htm Using an in vitro cell model of Huntington’s disease (HD), researchers have discovered a novel mechanism and potential link between mutant huntingtin, cell loss and cell death or apoptosis in the brain, which is responsible for the devastating effects of this disease. Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120702132939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120628164436.htm Scientists have generated stem cells from skin cells from a person with a severe, early-onset form of Huntington's disease, and turned them into neurons that degenerate just like those affected by the fatal inherited disorder. Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120628164436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120621125552.htm Studies suggest that neurotrophic factors, which play a role in the development and survival of neurons, have significant therapeutic and restorative potential for neurologic diseases such as Huntington's disease. However, clinical applications are limited because these proteins cannot easily cross the blood brain barrier, have a short half-life, and cause serious side effects. Now, a group of scientists has successfully treated neurological symptoms in laboratory rats by implanting a device to deliver a genetically engineered neurotrophic factor directly to the brain. Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120621125552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120621125550.htm Two new studies hint at possible approaches to protect those at risk for Huntington’s disease. Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120621125550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120618194944.htm A new study shows that the compound Coenzyme Q10 reduces oxidative damage, a key finding that hints at its potential to slow the progression of Huntington disease. The discovery also points to a new biomarker that could be used to screen experimental treatments for this and other neurological disorders. Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120618194944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120529113631.htm Researchers have restored neuron function to parts of the brain damaged by Huntington's disease (HD) by successfully transplanting HD-induced pluripotent stem cells into animal models. Tue, 29 May 2012 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120529113631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095017.htm Scientists have developed a novel technique that tracks diseased proteins behaving badly by forming clusters in brain diseases such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105141.htm Exposure to lead wreaks havoc in the brain, with consequences that include lower IQ and reduced potential for learning. But the precise mechanism by which lead alters nerve cells in the brain has largely remained unknown. New research has used high-powered fluorescent microscopy and other advanced techniques to painstakingly chart the varied ways lead inflicts its damage. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213154100.htm Medical researchers have discovered a promising new therapy for Huntington disease that restores lost motor skills and may delay or stop the progression of the disease based on lab model tests, says the lead researcher. Because the new therapy uses a molecule already being used in clinical trials for other diseases, it could be used in a clinical trial for Huntington disease within the next one to two years. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213154100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163253.htm Researchers have developed a technique for using stem cells to deliver therapy that specifically targets the genetic abnormality found in Huntington's disease, a hereditary brain disorder that causes progressive uncontrolled movements, dementia and death. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111218150301.htm Treatment that increases brain levels of an important regulatory enzyme may slow the loss of brain cells that characterizes Huntington's disease (HD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. A team found that increased expression of Sirt1, one of a family of enzymes called sirtuins, in the brain of a mouse model of HD protected against neurodegeneration. The investigators also identified a potential mechanism for this protective effect. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111218150301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011171555.htm Melatonin, best known for its role in sleep regulation, delayed the onset of symptoms and reduced mortality in a mouse model of Huntington's disease, say researchers. Their findings show for the first time that certain receptors for the hormone reside in the mitochondria, and that there are fewer of them both in affected mice and human brains. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011171555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808124234.htm The development of drugs for brain-related conditions is not an efficient process. A key reason for this is a lack of preclinical tests that accurately predict drug efficacy and detect unwanted side effects. But now, researchers have developed a new preclinical approach that they hope can be used alongside current strategies to guide more efficient drug development for brain-related conditions. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808124234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110722213431.htm Biochemists have identified a yeast protein called Lsb2 that can promote spontaneous prion formation. Prions can cause neurodegenerative disorders, such as mad cow/Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, in humans and animals. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110722213431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718121558.htm A new study describes how hyperactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase promotes neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718121558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623174140.htm Researchers have identified a natural mechanism that might one day be used to block the expression of the mutated gene known to cause Huntington's disease. Their experiments offer not an immediate cure, but a potential new approach to stopping or even preventing the development of this relentless neurodegenerative disorder. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623174140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623151227.htm Researchers have identified compounds that appear to inhibit a signaling pathway in Huntington's disease, a finding that may eventually lead to a potential drug therapy to help slow the progression of degenerative nerve disorders. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623151227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602122250.htm Scientists have identified a drug candidate that diminishes the effects of both Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease in animal models, offering new hope for patients who currently lack any medications to halt the progression of these two debilitating illnesses. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602122250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602122244.htm Medical researchers may have uncovered a novel approach to treat an incurable and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people. Two international studies hold out promise for slowing down the development of Huntington's disease -- and potentially, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The research, which is in its early stages, represents an important milestone in understanding these debilitating conditions. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602122244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526122911.htm Researchers have discovered two classes of yeast genes that may hold clues as to why proteins take on the misfolded prion form, a condition associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as "mad cow." Thu, 26 May 2011 12:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526122911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518161705.htm Scientists have for the first time successfully characterized the earliest structural formation of the disease type of the protein that causes Huntington's disease. The researchers have used a small-angle neutron scattering instrument, called Bio-SANS, to explore the earliest aggregate species of the protein that are believed to be the most toxic. Wed, 18 May 2011 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518161705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511131128.htm New research sheds light on common pathogenic mechanisms shared by Huntington's disease (HD) and HD-like disorders. The study uses a new transgenic mouse model for an HD-like disorder to unravel complex molecular events that drive disease pathology. Wed, 11 May 2011 13:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511131128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411103711.htm A research team shows that cell death can also result from the process by which the cell repairs damage that occurs within a repeated CAG/CTG sequence. Their findings increase understanding of how diseases like Huntington's develop in humans. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411103711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122328.htm In Huntington's disease, the mutant protein known as huntingtin leads to the degeneration of a part of the brain known as the basal ganglia, causing the motor disturbances that represent one of the most defining features of the fatal disease. But this new study shows that the mutant protein is also responsible for metabolic imbalances in the hypothalamus, a brain region that plays an important role in appetite control. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222122055.htm A major leap forward in understanding Huntington's disease may give patients hope for a cure. Laboratory tests on skin cells and post-mortem brain tissue of Huntington's disease patients determined that an overactive protein triggers a chain reaction that causes brain nerve cells to die. Toning down the activity of that protein, known as DRP1, prevented the chain reaction and kept those cells alive. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222122055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110218165254.htm Misfolded proteins can get into cells and form large aggregates by recruiting normal proteins. These aggregates are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. A new study finds that the protein linked to Huntington's can spread from one cell to another. The research may explain how these diseases spread through our brains, an understanding that might lead to the development of drugs to target the misfolded proteins. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110218165254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118092624.htm Protein aggregation underlies several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s chorea or Parkinson’s. Scientists in Germany have now discovered a fundamental mechanism which explains how toxic protein aggregation occurs and why it leads to a widespread impairment of essential cellular functions. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118092624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207131737.htm Investigators have discovered a family of small molecules that shows promise in protecting brain cells against nerve-degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's, which afflict millions. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207131737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115151942.htm Fisetin, a naturally occurring compound found in strawberries and other fruits and vegetables, slows the onset of motor problems and delays death in three models of Huntington's disease, according to researchers. The study sets the stage for further investigations into fisetin's neuroprotective properties in Huntington's and other neurodegenerative conditions. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115151942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825093259.htm A team of American scientists claims that a new method of testing for neurological diseases could provide doctors with a rapid and noninvasive method of diagnosing degenerative disorders. The research reveals that magnetic resonance spectroscopy can distinguish between different disorders in patients, allowing earlier diagnosis. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825093259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100811125939.htm New research finds that a protein that is often mutated in Huntington's disease (HD) plays an unexpected role in the process of neurogenesis. The research provides new insight into HD pathology and has even broader implications for human health and disease. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100811125939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100810203551.htm In neurodegenerative diseases, clumps of insoluble proteins appear in patients' brains. These aggregates contain proteins that are unique to each disease, such as amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease, but they are intertwined with small amounts of many other insoluble proteins that are normally present in a soluble form in healthy young individuals. For years, these other proteins were thought to be accidental inclusions in the aggregates, much as a sea turtle might be caught in a net of fish. Now, in a surprising new finding, researchers report that many of the proteins present as minor components of disease aggregates actually clump together as a normal part of aging in healthy individuals. Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100810203551.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100729133436.htm Researchers have uncovered new clues about the cause of brain cell death in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100729133436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100728121323.htm Research reveals that an enzyme linked with multiple disorders -- including stroke, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis -- is also involved in the generation of toxic protein fragments in Huntington's disease. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100728121323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100728092619.htm Australian scientists have identified the behavior of the mutant protein "huntingtin" which leads to the fatal Huntington's disease providing potential targets to treat the disease, a new study reveals. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100728092619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100723112707.htm The prevalence of Huntington's disease (HD) is substantially underestimated in the UK, with significant implications for those affected, the healthcare system, and research, say experts. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100723112707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100723075958.htm New research suggests a novel pharmacological target that, in combination with a neurotrophic factor, could be used to improve the survival of striatal neurons, the principal nerve cells affected by the neurodegeneration observed in Huntington’s disease. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100723075958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100721132629.htm Activity of certain neurons in the brain can signal the initiation and termination of behavioral sequences we learn anew, scientists have discovered. Furthermore, they found that this brain activity is essential for learning and executing novel action sequences, many times compromised in patients suffering from disorders such as Parkinson's or Huntington's. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100721132629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630132848.htm For the first time, scientists have linked a brain compound called kynurenic acid to cognition, possibly opening doors for new ways to enhance memory function and treat catastrophic brain diseases, according to a new study. When researchers decreased the levels of kynurenic acid in the brains of mice, their cognition was shown to improve markedly, according to a new study. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630132848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100521191239.htm Researchers describe a laboratory test that allows scientists to evaluate large numbers of fruit fly genes for a possible role in the formation of plaque-like protein aggregates within cells. Those genes often have counterparts in humans, which might then be manipulated to stop or slow the formation of plaque-like protein aggregates, the hallmark of Huntington's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Fri, 21 May 2010 19:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100521191239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100223101428.htm Huntington's disease (HD) is a cruel, hereditary condition that leads to physical and mental deterioration and eventually, death. HD sufferers are born with the disease although they don't show symptoms until late in life. In a new study, researchers identified a protective pathway in the brain that may explain why symptoms take so long to appear. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100223101428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100208185347.htm An early stage clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon (latrepirdine) in people with Huntington's disease appears to be safe and may improve cognition. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100208185347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100202171813.htm Researchers have found that three different degenerative brain disorders are linked by a toxic form of the same protein. Elk-1 was found in clumps of misshaped proteins that are the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. This suggests a molecular link between the presence of inclusions and neuronal loss that is shared across a spectrum of neurodegenerative disease. Identifying these links could open up novel avenues for therapeutic intervention. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100202171813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127134249.htm Scientists have uncovered a key cellular mechanism that alters brain cell function in Huntington's disease, and identified a possible treatment for the disease. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127134249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100119161803.htm Scientists have found some compounds that improve a cell's ability to properly "fold" proteins and could lead to promising drugs for degenerative nerve diseases, including Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100119161803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091223125123.htm Scientists have identified a key molecular switch that may drive the onset of Huntington's disease (HD), an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that leads to severe disruptions in muscle coordination and cognitive function. The research enhances the understanding of HD pathogenesis and may direct new strategies for treating this devastating brain disease. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091223125123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091115134134.htm Normal synaptic activity in nerve cells protects the brain from the misfolded proteins associated with Huntington's disease, researchers have discovered. They also found that the drug Memantine, which is approved to treat Alzheimer's disease, successfully treated Huntington's disease in a mouse model by preserving normal synaptic electrical activity and suppressing excessive extrasynaptic electrical activity. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091115134134.htm