Huntington's disease (HD)

      Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that leads to degenerative neurological loss and dementia. Because it is autosomal dominant, children of the affected person have a 50% chance of also having the mutation. Genetic testing can identify the mutation. Unfortunately, symptoms do not occur until the person is in middle adulthood and has usually had children by then. If one of your parents developed HD, would you want to be tested for the mutation? Why, or why not? As you respond to your classmates, discuss why you would or why you would not.