Self Reports of Day-to-Day Function in People with Early Huntington Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Janet Williams, Nancy Downing, Anthony L. Vaccarino, Mark Guttman, Jane Paulsen
Primary Institution: The University of Iowa
Hypothesis
What changes in day-to-day functioning are experienced by individuals with prodromal and early stages of Huntington Disease?
Conclusion
People with prodromal and early Huntington Disease experience changes in their ability to perform daily tasks, particularly in areas requiring cognitive and motor skills.
Supporting Evidence
- 14 out of 16 participants reported changes in at least one area of daily function.
- Driving was the most commonly reported area of difficulty, with 11 participants mentioning issues.
- Participants described changes in interactions with others, including increased irritability and lack of interest.
- Many participants noted difficulties with household chores and managing finances.
Takeaway
This study asked people with early Huntington Disease how their daily lives have changed, and many reported difficulties with tasks like driving and managing finances.
Methodology
Exploratory study using descriptive qualitative methods and semi-structured telephone interviews.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reporting and the subjective nature of qualitative data.
Limitations
The study may be limited by participants' lack of insight into their condition, which can affect self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were female (11/16), with a mean age of 65.6 years, and included individuals from Canada and the US.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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