How does a person inherit this genetic disorder? Is it dominant or recessive? Genetic or Chromosomal?

Huntington's is an autosomal dominant disease. If one of your parents have the condition, you therefore, have a 50% chance of inheriting it. If you do not inherit Huntington's from your parents you are not a carrier of the gene. HD is a genetic mutation located on chromosome 4. A small number of cases are sporadic, however, and are not passed through the family. It is just a gene that mutates during sperm development.


Works Cited

http://nervous-system.emedtv.com/huntington

http://www.nature.com/nrn/journal/v5/n5/images/nrn1386-f3.gif

Genetic Counselors

Genetic counselors are the basis of study for Huntington's. They study different types of genetic diseases and how they are passed through families. They educate families on their risks for the diseases and probability of passing it on to your descendants. They can run genetic testing to research these cases as well. In order to become a genetic counselor, you usually must have a Masters Degree. They must be certified and licensed as well. "People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence." (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Works Cited!

http://www.genetichealth.com/Resources_What_Is_Genetic_Counseling.shtml#Anchor1


http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm

http://www.sciencenewsden.com/images/broken_dna_helix.jpg