Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by involuntary movements and psychiatric disturbances, found worldwide, with a variable prevalence. The purpose of this study was to determine the history of HD in Iceland and determine the prevalence and incidence of HD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Clinical information was obtained from general, neurologic, and psychiatric hospitals, practicing neurologists, general practitioners, and family members of affected individuals.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven individuals were identified with typical symptoms of HD from the 1850s to 2007. All but one sporadic case are descendants of a husband and wife living in the early and mid-19th century. The point prevalence of HD in Iceland is 1.0 per 100,000 individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of HD in Iceland is markedly lower than in the neighboring countries (Norway and the British Isles), where Icelanders originate from.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Sveinsson O, Halldórsson S, Olafsson E

Institution

Department of Neurology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Sweden.

Source

European neurology 68:1 2012 pg 48-51

MeSH

Adult
Female
History, 16th Century
Humans
Huntington Disease
Iceland
Incidence
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Historical Article
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22722209