Huntington’s disease is a rare genetic condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the brain’s nerve cells, impacting one’s cognitive and physical abilities. It starts with difficulty in making decisions, recurring depression, mood swings, and finally, severe cases of memory loss, slurred speech, and uncontrollable twitching (chorea). In most cases, the symptoms begin around 30-40, and in rare early-onset or juvenile Huntington’s disease can happen in children below the age of 18. Causes and risk factors Genetic mutation is the only known cause of Huntington’s Disease. The inheritance of the fourth chromosome carries a mutation on the HD gene, huntingtin, a protein necessary for the proper functioning of the neurons. It helps in the storage of long-term memory. This disease is classified under autosomal dominant disorders, wherein an individual is affected when they carry only one copy of the defective chromosome. This means that the affected individual’s children always carry a 50% chance of inheriting this disease. HD has a prevalence range of 3-7 per 100,000 people, more common in people with European ancestry. Even though both genders are equally inheritable to this condition, studies show women experience higher severity of depression and have shown a quicker decline in cognitive and motor abilities.

Our heart pumps blood to all body parts. It must beat at a regular speed to perform this function. If the organ beats fast or the beat is irregular, it means its upper chambers are not contracting correctly. This condition is called atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib leads to inefficient blood circulation and an increased risk of clots. While not life-threatening, the condition can lead to complications like stroke. Here are the common causes of AFib. 1. Unusual electrical signals Our heart has a region called the sinus node in the right atrium, which produces electrical signals. These signals direct the organ to contract and release as it pumps blood around the clock. If the sinus node generates unusual signals, the upper chambers contract irregularly, and the lower chambers can no longer be in sync with them. This damage in the signaling process makes a person’s heartbeat irregular and fast. 2. Underlying heart diseases Cardiovascular conditions like coronary heart disease or hypertension can change how the heart sends and receives electric signals. These changes can cause AFib. Hence, people with these underlying heart diseases should go for regular checkups to detect complications like AFib early. Those who have had a stroke should also be cautious because they, too, are at risk of AFib; stroke and AFib usually coexist.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. This disrupts communication between the brain and muscles. The muscles begin to move involuntarily when they do not receive proper signals, become weak, and waste away. ALS is a degenerative condition, and the affected person may not be able to control their movements while talking, eating, or walking. Types of ALS There are two types of ALS: 1. Sporadic ALS It is the most common type of ALS. In this case, the affected person is the first in the family to have contracted the disease, and it is not genetic. 2. Familial ALS Suppose more than one family member has ALS. It is highly probable that it is an inherited condition and is categorized as familial ALS. ALS causes and risk factors Doctors have yet to identify a cause of ALS, but with the existing data, they have managed to identify some risk factors for this rare condition. Some of them include the following: 1. Family history Family history and heredity factors are the leading causes and risks for familial ALS. 2. Genetic mutation Studies show that close to 40 genes are associated with ALS.

Anemia is a preventable and treatable blood disorder that affects people across ages, genders, and ethnicities. The condition can be caused by one’s lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies, or genetics. There are three types of anemia; some are more common, while others, like aplastic anemia, are rare. This blood disorder can be either chronic or be treated with a short treatment period and iron-rich food. This article discusses the symptoms and types of anemia. Symptoms of anemia Hemoglobin is an important component of our red blood cells, which carry oxygen to every part of our body. Anemia is caused when our body produces fewer red blood cells than usual – resulting in less hemoglobin. As a result, the body receives less oxygen than required for it to function normally. Anemia can be caused by heredity, excessive bleeding due to injury or menstruation, chronic diseases or infections, kidney disease, and nutritional deficiencies. The most common symptoms of anemia include: Fatigue Exhaustion Dizziness Unsteadiness while standing up Shortness of breath Frequent mouth and tongue sores Pale skin Brittle nails Inclination to eat weird objects that are not edible A basic Complete Blood Count examination (CBC) is the basic tool for diagnosing anemia. Doctors may prescribe additional exams to identify the cause and type of anemia.

It is estimated that one in every seven people is affected by kidney disease, and the numbers continue to rise, making it one of America’s main causes of death. Chronic kidney disease causes the most concern among the many kidney diseases. It does not show any symptoms, and they may be diagnosed only when the condition is advanced, making it difficult to treat. Chronic kidney disease invariably causes severe complications, including kidney failure. Causes of kidney disease Chronic kidney disease is a progressive and difficult-to-diagnose condition. The affected person notices symptoms when the kidney can no longer function well or filter toxins and waste out of the body. The toxins, electrolytes, and other minerals continue to build in our body, causing multiple health problems like swelling, hypertension, heart disease, anemia, weak bones, erectile dysfunction, poor immunity, pregnancy complications, and damage to our central nervous system. Regular medical exams can help in the early detection, treatment, and prevention of complications. The patient may depend on regular dialysis or a kidney transplant to live a healthy life. Here are some of the main causes of chronic kidney disease: 1. Diabetes Diabetes continues to remain the major cause of chronic kidney disease. High blood sugar damages the kidneys’ ability to filter toxins and proteins like albumin.