Table 1.

Professionals involved in the care of patients with juvenile Huntington’s disease.

Professional	Potential role
General pediatrician/community pediatrician	Address general health needs and act as a focal point for specialist input
Pediatric neurologist possibly supplemented by a clinician (neurologist, psychiatrist or geneticist) with a specific interest in HD	Advice on pharmacological management and assessment of the disease stage
Child psychiatrist	Advise on management of the family and pharmacotherapy for behavioral disorders
Child psychologist or neuropsychologist	Assess cognition, provide strengths and weaknesses, assist with educational curriculum and recommend compensatory strategies for cognitive losses
Dietician	Manage the weight loss that is associated with HD
Nonclinical case manager able to coordinate non-medical services for the family (could be a social worker or nurse)	Relate to school teachers, arrange respite care, provide support for the family and arrange for adaptations to the house if necessary
Dentist	Dental hygiene may become a challenge given the problems with movement and behavior
Speech therapist	Advise on aspects of communication and swallowing difficulties
Physiotherapist and occupational therapist	Important for maintaining independence for as long as possible
Palliative care specialist	Important for the end stage of illness, which may last for many years

HD: Huntington’s disease.