Hereditary Diseases..

[Dale]

Hi
In my Irish emigrant family I have identified 2 generations prior to emigration and another 5/6 since the 1860s.
Death certs can be misleading as although the deceased had been admitted to an Institution suffering from Chorea or St Vitus dance or similar terms the actual cause of death was given as pnemonia or phthisis or even suicide. Coroners Inquests have clarified matters somewhat!

I have medical records for admissions and patient records written over years of "treatment" which clearly describe the symptoms for HD although the actual gene wasn't identified until 1993. This meant that for some families there were beliefs that it was something "caught" from grass or animals or something similar.  Unfortunately many myths pervaded and some families were instructed not to talk about it- to the extent that I currently have dealings with a 60 year plus woman who found out in her fifties that she had a brother who had been institutionallised.

If you want to understand more local HD societies have websites and there is quite a lot online (choose a reputable site!) 

Briefly if one parent has HD any child has a 1 in 2 chance of inheritance. For example out of a family of 11, 5 girls and one boy inherited HD. The other 5 children did not inherit and neither did their children or grandchildren.
Hope this helps Adie. DID the 37 year old woman have children ? Were any of them affected?

[Billyblue]

Dale, you will find that many death certificates will give pneumonia as the cause of death, particularly in the elderly.
This is because it is the ultimate cause of death.
If you were to see the doctor's actual certificate, you will find that it would say something like
cause of death:  (a) pneumonia; (b) cerebral vascular accident
or (a) pneumonia, 3 days;  (b) Huntingdon's disease 6 years

But often on the government issued death certificates they only put the ultimate cause, which is why you see so many for pneumonia.

Dawn M

[Dale]

Thanks Dawn - after researching for decades and collecting hundreds of certs I am fairly familiar with both the certs, medical admissions papers and patient records. Any time I have a query I consult a senior geriatrician in the family- very handy these rellies sometimes!
Deaths in an Institution in this country almost always include a Coroners Inquest which also helps as any contributory factors are covered.
Dale

[Billyblue]

Well, it's handy to have someone 'in the business' isn't it?

I just gave you that info as you sounded as if you didn't know why so many have pneumonia as cause of death.  Didn't mean to tread on your toes.  Sorry.

Dawn M

[Dale]

No probs Dawn I just wanted to make it clear that I understood the nuances, various resources available and hopefully provide others with some alternatives to understanding not only of HD but other diseases!
I certainly wish I had found that particular rellie some time ago as I foundered through a maze of half truths, family rumours, and downright ignorance!
Cheers
Dale