Huntington Disease Involving Oral Histology and Embryology Research Paper

Introduction

Huntington’s disease is one of many neurodegenerative diseases, which has chorea as one of its prevalent symptoms (Hergert, Sanchez-Ramos, & Cimino, 2019, p.1) . Discovered in the late 1800s’ by George Huntington, a young American medical doctor at the time, the disease has gathered interest from the medical community—but with little in the way of a cure. The disease is highly hereditary, with a 50% chance of transference from parent to offspring (Boyle, Frölander & Manley, 2008, p.333; Roos, 2010, p.6). This hereditary property (of this disease) is due to it being a genetic disorder, which is activated in those that exhibit its symptoms. Primarily, every person has the gene that causes Huntington’s disease, and the activation is equally likely in both biological classifications of human gender (Male and Female); however, those that activate its activity have the expanded version of the gene. For those with the defective gene, the onset of the disease is usually around ages of 30-40 years; however, using medical imaging techniques, its manifestation can be predicted up to 15 years before its onset (Petersén & Weydt, 2019, p.179). Considering the fatality of this disease and its accompanying effects, patients suffering from it usually die of either pneumonia or suicide (Roos, 2010, p.2). In the exploration of this disease, this paper considers its consequence on oral histology and embryology. Also, its pathogenesis and effects on the human immune system is examined.

Oral Histology and embryology

These describe the entire history of a person’s dentition, from initial formation to the entire lifecycle. Histology gives an account of tissue formation, development, and structure. In terms of Oral health, this knowledge is important for understanding how various components of the teeth are structured. Based on the genetic markers of Huntington’s disease, its aetiology is not linked to formations or structural developments from a patient’s oral histology…

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…these considerations of immune system over-activity, possible solutions can be postulated to slow down the onset and progression of the disease.

Conclusion

Currently there is no cure for Huntington’s disease. Medical researchers are consistently working on potential solutions for delaying the activation or targeting the replication of the aberrant gene. However, possible solutions to the development of poor oral hygiene (because of Huntington’s disease) includes the following: education of both the patient and their care givers on the significance of good hygiene to the condition, intentional care for patient’s oral health by the attached care givers, avoidance of gum disease and inflammation through specialized diet regimen, and more importantly, acceptance of help by the patients. Use of dental floss and electric toothbrushes are also recommended in patients that can manage their own care and using specialized toothpastes (rich in fluoride) is advised. Finally, every team catering to patients with Huntington’s disease should include a…