HD is age related because of the variable onset. Currently there is interest in brain derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs) as a treatment or delay of onset for Huntinton's disease.

The body has clever defenses. Fever for infection, sweat for heat and many others. There may be a couple of surprises that relate to HD. Cell deposits may actually protect brain cells. Chorea may actually protect against neurodegeneration.

As anecdotal information, Peggy's mother was symptomatic at age 27. Peggy enjoyed activities such as dancing, mountain hiking, bicycle riding, tennis, and running. Peggy became symptomatic at age 50 after an auto accident. One researcher suggests that patients live longer if not given chorea reducing drugs.

One way to increase BDNFs for anyone is exercise.(abstract follows) --Jerry 11/16/98
Brain Res Mol Brain Res 1998 Oct,Oliff HS,et al.

Exercise-induced regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) transcripts in the rat hippocampus.

Previous results from our laboratory indicate that two nights of voluntary wheel running upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the hippocampus.

In order to investigate the time-course of the BDNF response and to examine how physical activity preferentially activates particular transcriptional pathways, the effects of 6 and 12 h of voluntary wheel running on BDNF and exons I-IV mRNA expression were investigated in rats. Hippocampal full-length BDNF mRNA expression was rapidly influenced by physical activity, showing significant increases in expression levels as soon as 6 h of voluntary wheel running.

Moreover, there was a strong positive correlation between distance run and BDNF mRNA expression. Exon I mRNA expression was significantly upregulated after 6 h of running and was maintained or enhanced by 12 h of voluntary running. Exon II had a slower time-course and was significantly upregulated after 12 h, selectively in the CA1 hippocampal region. Exon III and Exon IV showed no significant increase in expression level after 6 or 12 h of running in the paradigm studied.

It is significant that the rapid neurotrophin response is demonstrated for a physiologically relevant stimulus, as opposed to the extreme conditions of seizure paradigms. Furthermore, exercise-induced upregulation of BDNF may help increase the brain's resistance to damage and neurodegeneration that occurs with aging.