Huntington's Disease Program
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited progressive brain disorder whose symptoms are caused by the loss of cells in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The damage to these cells affects a person's emotional control, cognitive ability, and movement.
Symptoms of HD vary greatly from person to person and usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50. However, the disease can strike young children (called juvenile HD) and the elderly. HD can affect males and females of all races all over the world. Common features of HD include emotional/behavioral symptoms, cognitive/intellectual symptoms, and motor symptoms.
Currently, there is no cure for HD, and eventually, it is fatal. Symptoms of the disease, however, can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy.
Evaluation, Treatment Plan, and Services
Initial evaluations consist of a visit with a nurse practitioner. In addition, a visit with our genetic counselor can be arranged for those interested in pre-symptomatic testing. Further assessments by our psychiatrist or neurologist are done if needed. When assessments are completed, a multidisciplinary treatment plan is created. The plan might make recommendations for treatment regarding personal or family counseling, physical or occupational therapy, psychiatric or neurological treatments, and home-based or long-term care. Typically, gene-positive patients are seen on a routine basis for follow-up.
Initial consultation and assessment are free of charge to Connecticut residents.
Services
- Psychiatric assessment
- Neurological assessment of Huntington's disease symptoms
- Neuropsychological assessment
- Genetic counseling
- Education of clients and families
- Psychiatric care
- Neurological care of Huntington's disease symptoms
- Routine follow-up care
- Education of caregivers in effective behavioral interventions
- Assistance with entitlements and disability determination
- Liaison with home care agencies
Contact Us
Phone: 860-679-6700
Fax: 860-679-1806
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location
10 Talcott Notch Road
Farmington, CT 06032
HD Caregiver Support Group
The HD Caregiver Support Group meets virtually the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Call 860-679-4441 for more information or to register.
Helping HD Patients Live Life to the Fullest
UConn Health's unique Huntington's Disease (HD) Program led by Dr. Glenn Konopaske is helping patients like Kathy and her family living with the inherited progressive brain disorder. See how Kathy is living life to the fullest thanks to UConn Health's multidisciplinary team's care and supportive HD program.
Meet Our Team
Bernardo M. Rodrigues, M.D., Ph.D.
Farmington
Accepting New Patients
Staff
Robin Zingales-Browne, MSN, APRN
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Andrea Gainey, M.S., LCGC
Genetic Counselor
Sara Hatje
Administrative Assistant
Support HD Research
You can also support Huntington's Disease research with your tax-deductible donation. UConn Health serves as the primary resource to health care providers in Connecticut. Educational initiatives enable communities across the state to stay informed of treatments and care for people with HD. Clinicians and scientists are conducting cutting-edge research right here in Connecticut and collaborating with colleagues around the world.
Private giving provides a critical foundation to build the Huntington's Disease Program. Every gift brings us closer to finding a cure. The Huntington's Disease Program has several top funding priorities:
- Research support: Purchase laboratory equipment, supplies, and new technology; and hire top scientists.
- Clinical care support: Recruit and retain additional staff for clinical operations and care.
- Public service support: Disseminate new educational materials to patients, families, health care providers, and host symposia.
Your gift to the Huntington's Disease Program Fund (#22807) will provide essential support to strengthen UConn Health. Please visit giving.uchc.edu to make your gift today! For more information about supporting the Huntington's Disease Program, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 860-679-1122.
HD Research
The UConn Health Huntington's Disease Program participates in Enroll-HD: A Prospective Registry Study in a Global Huntington's Disease Cohort (Enroll-HD). Enroll-HD is a worldwide Huntington's disease (HD) observational, multi-center study.
