New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- Huntington's disease is a hereditary condition that leads to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells (neurons) in specific areas of the brain. It mainly affects regions that control voluntary movements and other key brain functions. Over time, individuals with HD experience motor, emotional, cognitive and behavioural challenges. Doctors say it has been successfully treated for the first time through experimental gene therapy, with patients showing an average 75% reduction in disease progression.

For instance, involuntary movements may occur in the fingers, feet, face, or torso, which are characteristic of chorea. These movements often become stronger when the person feels anxious or distracted. As Huntington's ...