Huntington’s Disease: 11 Alternative Treatments for Brain Health & Symptom Management

February 18, 2025•5 min read

What is Huntington’s Disease?

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, inherited neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene on chromosome 4. This genetic defect leads to the production of an abnormal huntingtin protein, which gradually damages nerve cells in the brain—especially in areas responsible for movement, cognition, and emotions.

HD follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning a child has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition if one parent carries the defective gene. The disease causes progressive neurodegeneration, leading to worsening symptoms over time.

Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

Movement Disorders:

Chorea – Involuntary jerking or writhing movements
Muscle rigidity and dystonia – Stiff or tight muscles, affecting movement
Bradykinesia – Slow or difficult voluntary movements, including walking and swallowing
Loss of coordination and balance, increasing the risk of falls

Cognitive Decline:

Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
Impaired judgment and problem-solving skills
Trouble organizing tasks and making decisions
Difficulty processing new information

Psychiatric Symptoms:

Depression and anxiety – Common early signs of HD
Irritability and mood swings
Obsessive-compulsive behaviors – Repetitive thoughts or actions
Apathy and social withdrawal – Loss of interest in activities and relationships

Progression of Huntington’s Disease

Symptoms usually appear between ages 30 and 50, though juvenile Huntington’s disease (JHD) can develop in childhood or adolescence. HD progresses over 10 to 30 years, eventually leading to severe disability. In later stages, individuals often require full-time care, as the disease affects mobility, communication, and the ability to perform daily tasks.

Complications such as pneumonia, infections, or choking-related incidents are common causes of death in advanced HD.

Current Treatment Options

While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This includes:

Medications for movement disorders and psychiatric symptoms
Physical therapy to maintain mobility and coordination
Speech and occupational therapy to assist with daily functioning

Alternative or Supplemental Treatment Options for Huntington’s Disease

While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease (HD), alternative and supplemental treatments may help slow disease progression, improve brain function, and enhance quality of life. Many of these options focus on mitochondrial support, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting neuroprotection.

1. Ketosis and Exogenous Ketones

Why it helps: Huntington’s disease depletes ATP (the body's energy currency), impairing brain function. Ketosis—a metabolic state where the body burns fat instead of glucose for fuel—may help provide alternative energy sources for neurons.

Ketogenic Diet: A high-fat, low-carb diet can help induce ketosis, providing ketones as an alternative energy source for brain cells. However, strict dietary adherence can be challenging.
Exogenous Ketones: If following a ketogenic diet is difficult, exogenous ketones (ketone esters or salts) can help raise ketone levels without strict carb restriction.
- Some individuals prefer Ketone esters over ketone salts as they may be easier on digestion and provide a more efficient energy source.
MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides): Adding MCT oil to the diet can help boost ketone production. MCTs are rapidly converted into ketones and provide quick energy for the brain.
- Found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy, MCTs contain caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), which are particularly beneficial for mitochondrial function.

2. Creatine for ATP Production

Why it helps: Huntington’s disease leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing ATP synthesis and impairing energy production in neurons.

Creatine supplementation may help maintain ATP levels and support brain energy metabolism.
Clinical trials suggest creatine can slow brain atrophy and help preserve motor function in early-stage HD1.

3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Why it helps: CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function and protects neurons from oxidative damage2,3,4.

4. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

Why it helps: The defective huntingtin protein disrupts mitochondrial function and increases oxidative stress, leading to nerve cell damage.

NAC acts as an antioxidant by replenishing glutathione, the body’s most potent antioxidant.
Helps reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting brain cells from degeneration5,6.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

Why they help: Omega-3 fatty acids are neuroprotective and help reduce inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases.

May improve cognitive function, reduce psychiatric symptoms (anxiety & depression), and help combat weight loss in HD7,8,9,10.
Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and fish oil supplements.

6. Bacopa Monnieri

Contains Bacopasaponin G, which may inhibit neuronal apoptosis (cell death) in HD.
May improve memory, cognition, and mental clarity11,12,13.

7. Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)

Strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties14.
In HD mouse models, lifelong curcumin supplementation helped preserve motor function and gut health15,16.
May modulate gut microbiome, which is increasingly linked to neurodegeneration.

8. Vitamin D

While not directly studied for HD, vitamin D supports brain health and may reduce neuroinflammation17.
Deficiency is common in neurological conditions, so supplementation may be beneficial.

9. Thiamine (B1) & Biotin (B7)

High-dose thiamine and biotin have been shown to improve motor function and reduce brain atrophy in HD models18,19,20,21.
Support mitochondrial function and energy metabolism but should be used cautiously at high doses.

10. Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

Why it helps: Lion’s Mane contains hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting neuron survival and regeneration25.

May protect against neurodegeneration and improve cognition, memory, and mood.
Early studies suggest potential benefits for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but research on Huntington’s disease is limited24.
Available as powders, capsules, or whole mushrooms, though not FDA-approved for HD.
Caution: May trigger allergic reactions, especially in those with asthma.

11. Physical Activity

Regular exercise has been shown to improve motor function, cognitive health, and mood stability in HD22,23.
Exercise enhances mitochondrial efficiency, increases ATP production, and promotes neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections).

Conclusion

Alternative and supplemental treatments for Huntington’s disease focus on supporting mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and preserving brain health. While these interventions cannot cure HD, they may help manage symptoms, slow progression, and improve overall quality of life.

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Dr. Lance Davis

Dr. Lance Davis is a chiropractor dedicated to helping active, middle-aged adults stay pain-free and healthy. With a passion for education, he simplifies complex health topics, empowering his audience to take charge of their well-being. Dr. Davis specializes in musculoskeletal care and provides practical solutions, including chiropractic care and targeted strengthening exercises. Through engaging content, he strives to be a trusted resource for those looking to maintain an active lifestyle.

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