It wasn't Witchcraft--It was Huntington Disease!

J Am Board Fam Med. 2011 Jan-Feb;24(1):115-6. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2011.01.100145.

Abstract

Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant, incurable, progressive disorder that manifests with chorea and behavioral and cognitive impairment. The disease usually occurs during the fourth or fifth decade of life; however, it may present at any age. Clinical suspicion is confirmed by genetic testing. Death occurs, on average, 15 to 20 years after the onset of symptoms. Here we report about a Hispanic woman and her family who were affected by the disease; this case illustrates the role of cultural values and beliefs in the decision-making process, as well as the importance of the physician's cultural competency in fostering a trusting relationship that may lessen the burden of catastrophic diseases on individuals, families, and society at-large.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease / diagnosis*
  • Huntington Disease / genetics
  • Medicine, Traditional*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mythology*
  • Witchcraft*