A New Era in HD Clinical Treatment
Dr. Claassen is a Professor of Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Editor-in-Chief of HD Insights.
It is the 30th anniversary of the Huntington Study Group, and over 30 years much has changed in HD. Despite the challenges of our healthcare system, it is worth reminding ourselves that in the U.S., there are many more dedicated HD centers that seek to provide clinical care, research opportunities, and educational efforts for these communities.
Most of us train in certain specialties that focus on one aspect of HD. Speaking for neurologists, we tend to focus on motor treatments, perhaps acute psychiatric treatments, and we learn how to navigate a multidisciplinary team. The longer I am in the HD clinic, the more I realize that this focus is only the tip of the iceberg for HD.
In this edition, we highlight the broad treatment needs for HD patients: from children to end-of-life. I am especially grateful to read the reflections from experts who have spent much of their career focusing on talking to children, counseling families and providing end-of-life treatments, and those who are building new roads for sustainable counseling models in clinic. I am also grateful to Tacie Fox, who provides us with a unique insight into the family dynamics that accompany HD.
Welcome to Phoenix! Welcome to the new era in HD clinical treatment!
And here’s to the next 30 years of the HSG!
