Huntington's Disease (second edition)

Oliver Quarrell, thefacts series, Oxford University Press, 2008 ISBN 978-0-19-921201-9 (Pbk)

This book is an update of the first edition published in 1999 and results from the author's long experience with Huntington's disease (HD) in a clinical genetic context as well as from his close collaboration with HD association. Most chapters start with a number of key points and many of them are written in a question–answer format that is attractive for the reader. After an introductory chapter with ‘Facts and figures about HD’, chapter 2 ‘Physical features of HD’ and chapter 3 ‘Behavioural and emotional aspects of HD’ give a clear answer to important practical questions. Moreover, both chapters are well illustrated with many quotes, mainly from partners of patients, but also with a few case studies by professionals. The fourth chapter on juvenile HD does not only answer the questions ‘Why use the term JHD? How frequent? Clinical features?’ and many other questions, but also looks at the challenges for diagnosis from a parents' perspective as well as a doctor's perspective. ‘The genetics of HD’ in chapter 5 as well as ‘Laboratory testing’ in chapter 6 give a considerable amount of important information in a concise way and are well illustrated with clear figures. The glossary at the end of the book is also very useful. ‘Genetic counselling for HD’ is covered in two separate chapters: chapter 7 about the process involved in a new diagnosis in a family and chapter 8 paying more attention to unaffected family members and to the options for genetic testing that are available for them: predictive testing, prenatal testing and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Owing to the difficulty of the topic, chapter 9 about ‘Changes in the brain’ and chapter 10 ‘What causes selective nerve cell damage?’ are slightly less accessible than the previous chapters. Chapter 11 ‘Current research activities’ stresses the importance of research networks as well as the importance of a close collaboration between the HD associations and the research community. The book ends with ‘Useful resources and contacts’ and information about HD associations in many countries all over the world.

Completely in line with the goal of the series ‘thefacts’ this book offers interesting and multifaceted information about HD in a clear and accessible manner. It can not only be recommended to families with HD but also to professionals who are involved in the care for HD patients▪