Huntington’s Disease: When Genetics Becomes Destiny

🔗 Check out all our links, sources, and socials:https://linktr.ee/thecadaverslessonsHuntington’s disease is one of the most devastating inherited neurological disorders—but its story stretches back centuries.In this episode, we trace its origins from medieval “dancing manias” and Saint Vitus’ dance to groundbreaking genetic discoveries in the 20th century. We explore how one physician’s observations shaped modern understanding—and how an entire community in Venezuela helped unlock the genetic code behind the disease.Then, we break down the science: what’s actually happening in the brain, why symptoms evolve over time, and where treatment stands today.Finally, we tackle the ethical questions that make Huntington’s disease uniquely complex—testing, family risk, and the right not to know.📚 References Wexler NS. The story of Huntington's disease. J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2016;7(Suppl 1):S3-S6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4782548/Huntington's disease—history. In: Wikipedia. Updated 2026. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington%27s_disease#HistoryMartí MJ, Tolosa E. Huntington disease: a journey through history. Neurología (English Edition). Available from: https://nah.sen.es/index.php/en/issues/past-issues/volume-4/issue-4/huntington-disease-a-journey-through-historyAjitkumar A, Lui F, De Jesus O. Huntington disease. In: StatPearls Publishing; 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559166/Dayalu P, Albin RL. Huntington disease: pathogenesis and treatment. In: Medscape. Updated periodically. Available from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1150165-overview