Cognitive impairment and behavioural difficulties in patients with Huntington’s disease
Colin Bourne Deputy manager, Leicestershire Huntington’s Disease Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Derby
Carole Clayton Modern matron and service manager, Leicestershire Huntington’s Disease Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Derby
Ann Murch Community mental health nurse, Leicestershire Huntington’s Disease Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Derby
Janet Grant Community mental health nurse, Leicestershire Huntington’s Disease Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Derby
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a degenerative, neurological disorder that has physical, psychological and cognitive effects. A review of the nursing literature on HD suggests that the main focus has been on explaining and managing the physical and psychological symptoms that arise. Cognitive symptoms appear to be only briefly discussed in most articles, perhaps because they are often the most difficult to explain and understand. This article examines the link between cognition and behaviour in patients with HD and suggests strategies to manage some of these behaviours.
Nursing Standard.
20, 35, 41-44.
doi: 10.7748/ns2006.05.20.35.41.c4146
Correspondence
colin.bourne@leicspart.nhs.uk
Peer review
This article has been subject to double blind peer review
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