Huntington's chorea with special reference to its incidence in Malta

Abstract

Huntington's Chorea is known to be a hereditary degenerative disease of the basal ganglia and of the cortex of the brain. It commonly manifests itself clinically at middle age in the form of choreiform movements or of muscular rigidity, which are often accompanied by mental deterioration. A brief historical overview of this anomaly and hereditary aspects are presented, with special reference to its incidence in Malta. The case material of the study is based upon the observations carried out by the author himself, from normal relatives of affected indiviuals, or gathered from past records at the Attard Mental Hospital since 1861 and at the St. Vincent De Paule Hospital since 1892. Furthermore, several summaries of Maltese case histories are reported and explained according to age, mental manifestations and physical behaviours. The occurences of the disease across Malta are mentioned, whereby the only method of prevention is eugenic control. Of utmost importance is therefore the need for notification of the disease, so that prompt measures could be taken to limit its advance in time.