Boost for locals with Huntington’s

People living with a serious degenerative neurological condition in Perthshire have received a boost.

Scottish Huntington’s Association has announced it has received a £340,000 boost to run its financial wellbeing service in Perthshire for another three years.

The team works with individuals and families to advise them on benefits and financial planning, helping to secure an extra £2500 in income per family every year.

John Eden, chief executive of Scottish Huntington’s Association, said:“The debilitating nature of Huntington’s Disease means that people’s working lives are cut short leaving them relying on a variety of benefits.

“This means that as well as having a life shortening condition, 67 per cent of families affected by Huntington’s Disease also exist on income below the national average and 33 per cent live below the poverty line.

“This service is proving vital in helping families in Perthshire take the stress out of trying to negotiate the benefits system and get people what they are entitled to.”

It is estimated there are 1100 people in Scotland living with Huntington’s Disease, with a further 6000 potentially at risk.

The disease is a complex condition with normally begins between the ages of 30 and 50 and can cause three main symptoms, including changes to thinking processes such as early on-set dementia, loss of muscle control and involuntary movements, which leads to the loss of speech and swallow and mental illness.

Those affected may eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or make decisions and need 24-hour care, as there is currently no cure.