Could Huntington's disease start in childhood? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT01860339

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looked at brain structure and function in children, teens, and young adults (ages 6-30) who have a parent or grandparent with Huntington's disease. Researchers used MRI scans and cognitive tests to compare those who carry the gene mutation with those who do not. The goal was to see if brain changes appear early in life, long before symptoms start.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If this study finds early brain differences in gene carriers, it could help us understand when Huntington's disease really begins and point to earlier intervention windows.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It cannot prove cause and effect, and results may not apply to all at-risk individuals.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Huntington disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with the University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, United States

  • Columbia University Medical Center

    New York, New York, 10027, United States

  • University of California Davis

    Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

  • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Psychiatry

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States