Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers are leading a world-first study which could change the way Huntington’s disease is treated.  

 

Participants in the 18-month study, which is in its final testing stage, are undergoing a regular program of brain-training exercises, gym training and social stimulation.

 

Testing at the halfway stage showed significant improvements including:

  • Participants deteriorating 50 per cent less than the control group when measured by the Unified Huntington’s disease rating scale;
  • An increase in overall body mass (according to the Body Mass Index), compared to untreated controls, who lost body mass;
  • An increase in muscle mass, compared to muscle loss for untreated controls; and
  • Increase in overall physical and mental health

 

Participants attended regular sessions at leisure centres across WA, including the gyms at ECU’s Joondalup and Mount Lawley Campuses.  They were also given activities to complete at home, with Exercise Physiologists and Occupational Therapists visiting their houses regularly to implement exercise programs at home.

 

There is currently no known cure for Huntington’s disease. The disease progresses slowly over a 10 to 25 year period, resulting in physical, mental and emotional changes, which can include a loss of muscle coordination and cognitive processes.