Huntington's Disease (HD) is an inherited progressive brain disorder whose symptoms are caused by the loss of cells in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The damage to these cells affects a person's emotional control, cognitive ability (thinking, judgment, memory) and movement. Symptoms of HD vary greatly from person to person and usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50. However, the disease can strike young children (called Juvenile HD) and the elderly. HD can affect males and females of all races all over the world. Common features of HD can be broken down into three categories: Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms, Cognitive/Intellectual Symptoms and Motor Symptoms. Currently there is no cure for HD and eventually it is fatal. Symptoms of the disease however can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy. In 1993 the gene that causes HD was found. Since then, scientists are actively searching for treatments to slow down and/or cure HD.
Mission
The mission of the Huntington's Disease (HD) Program of the University of Connecticut Health Center is to provide care, treatment and education to patients with HD and their families. Persons eligible include Connecticut residents who have or are at risk for HD and their family members.
The HD Program is also charged with being an educational resource to health services throughout the state of Connecticut.
Evaluation and Treatment Plan
Evaluations are provided free of charge (excluding laboratory tests and/or radiological studies) and consists of a visit with our neuropsychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, clinical social worker and neuropsychologist. In addition, a visit with our genetic counselor can be arranged for those individuals interested in pre-symptomatic testing.
When assessments are completed, a multidisciplinary treatment plan is created. The treatment plan may make recommendations for further treatment regarding personal/family counseling, medical treatments, home-based and/or long term care issues.
Typically, those patients who are gene positive are seen on a routine basis for follow up. Medical care unrelated to HD is not provided by the clinic.
Services
Neuropsychiatric assessment
Psychological evaluation and neuropsychological assessment
Psychosocial assessment
Psychotherapy (group or individual)
Genetic counseling
Education of clients and families
Additional Services (free of charge):
Routine follow up care
Psychiatric care
Education of caregivers in effective behavioral interventions
Assistance with entitlements and disability determination
Pamela Guilbeault
Administrative Assistant, Community Liaison
Directions
From Bradley International Airport
Follow Route 20 to I-91 South to I-84 West in Hartford. Take I-84 West about 7 miles to Exit 39, which is after 39A.
From Farmington Center
Stay on Route 4 East, Farmington Avenue. As you drive up the hill, toward I-84, stay in right lane and follow the road as it loops to the right and crosses access road to I-84. Continue on Farmington Avenue about 1/2 mile. Take right at fourth traffic light into the Health Center campus. Continue straight and take a right turn at the stop sign. At the next stop sign, bear right. Dowling North is on the left. Free parking is available.
From West Hartford Center
Stay on Farmington Avenue/Route 4 West. The Health Center is about 3.3 miles on the left. Take a left at the stop light into the Health Center campus. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Route 4 East (Farmington Avenue). At third traffic light, turn right to enter the Health Center campus. Continue straight to the stop sign and take a right turn. Bear to the at the next stop sign. The Dowling North building is on the left. Free parking is available.
From Route 44 Canton/Avon
Proceed on Route 44 eastbound through Avon. Turn right onto Route 10 South/Waterville Road. Turn left onto Talcott Notch Road and continue to Farmington Avenue/Route 4 West. Turn right onto Farmington Avenue/Route 4 West. The Health Center is a 1/4 mile on the left. Take a left into the Health Center campus. Continue straight and take a right turn at the stop sign. At the next stop sign, bear right. Dowling North is on the left. Free parking is available.
From I-84
Take Exit 39 (if coming from I-84 West, Exit 39 is after 39A). Turn right at first traffic light onto Route 4 East (Farmington Avenue). At third traffic light, turn right to enter the Health Center campus. Continue straight and take a right turn at the stop sign. At the next stop sign, bear right. Dowling North is on the left. Free parking is available.
From Northbound Route 9
Take Exit 32 (left exit) onto I-84 West and stay in the right lane. Take Exit 39 (first exit). Turn right at first traffic light onto Route 4 East (Farmington Avenue). At third traffic light, turn right to enter the Health Center campus. Continue straight and take a right turn at the stop sign. At the next stop sign, bear right. Dowling North is on the left. Free parking is available.
To Return to Route 9
From the Farmington Avenue entrance on the Lower Campus, take a left onto Route 4 West/Farmington Avenue. At the second light, take a left onto South Road. At the first stop sign, turn right and follow the signs to Route 9 South (you will enter I-84 East briefly prior to exiting onto Route 9 South).
To Return to I-84 East or West
From the Farmington Avenue entrance on the Lower Campus, take a left onto Route 4 West/Farmington Avenue. At the third light, take a left towards the highway entrance ramps and follow the signs staying right for I-84 West or staying left for I-84 East.
Appointments
Huntington's Disease Program
University of Connecticut Health Center
263 Farmington Avenue
Dowling North, Second Floor
Farmington, CT 06030-6204
Phone:
860-679-4441
Hours:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Monday - Friday
Cost:
Consultation and assessments are free of charge to Connecticut residents.
Huntington’s Disease Caregiver Support Group
The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6
to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Please contact Bonnie L.
Hennig, M.S.W., LCSW, QCSW, DCSW, for more information or to
register.
