George Huntington

George Huntington was an American physician who, in 1872, described a hereditary neurological disorder now known as Huntington's disease. He observed that symptoms, including jerking movements and mental decline, typically appeared in middle age and ran in families. His detailed description helped distinguish this disease from other neurological conditions. Huntington's work laid the foundation for understanding its genetic basis, which involves a specific gene mutation, and has guided research into diagnosis and potential treatments. Today, Huntington's disease is recognized as a hereditary condition causing progressive movement, cognitive, and emotional difficulties.