Huntingtons Disease Awareness Training Course

Huntington’s disease is a rare, inherited neurological condition that affects movement, thinking, and behaviour. It is progressive and life-limiting, with significant impact not only on the individual but also on families, carers, and professionals providing care and support.

This free Huntington’s Disease Awareness Training Course is designed to give health and social care staff a clear, compassionate understanding of the condition. It focuses on recognising symptoms, understanding genetic inheritance, supporting individuals and families families, and delivering person-centred care across all stages of the condition.

Why Do This eLearning Course?

Huntington’s disease often presents complex physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Because symptoms can develop gradually and vary widely, individuals may be misunderstood or mislabelled before receiving appropriate support.

This free course helps learners to:

• Understand Huntington’s disease as a genetic neurological condition
• Recognise early and advanced symptoms
• Appreciate the emotional and practical impact on families and carers
• Support dignity, choice, and independence wherever possible
• Deliver informed, person-centred care throughout disease progression
• Respond appropriately to cognitive, behavioural, and mental health changes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Describe what Huntington’s disease is and how it progresses
• Explain how the condition is inherited and the implications for families
• Identify motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms
• Understand diagnosis, genetic testing, and counselling
• Recognise the impact on daily life and relationships
• Apply multidisciplinary and person-centred care approaches
• Support carers’ wellbeing and self-care
• Understand end-of-life and palliative care considerations

Huntington’s Disease Awareness Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Huntington’s Disease
Learners will be introduced to Huntington’s Disease (HD), including its historical background and how understanding of the condition has developed over time. This module explores how common HD is, the typical age of onset, and the long-term, progressive nature of the disease. Learners will gain an overview of disease duration and why early awareness is important in health and social care.

Module 2: Genetics and Inheritance
This module explains the genetic basis of Huntington’s Disease, focusing on the mutation in the HTT gene. Learners will explore autosomal dominant inheritance and what this means for individuals and families, including the likelihood of inheriting the condition. The module supports understanding of genetic risk and family planning considerations.

Module 3: Clinical Presentation
Learners will explore how Huntington’s Disease presents clinically. This includes motor symptoms, cognitive decline, and psychiatric changes. The module explains how mobility, thinking, and behaviour change over time and outlines the different stages of disease progression. A knowledge check is included to reinforce learning.

Module 4: Diagnosis and Testing
This module focuses on how Huntington’s Disease is diagnosed. Learners will explore the role of genetic testing and counselling, including presymptomatic and diagnostic testing. The module also introduces current approaches to symptom management following diagnosis and the importance of informed decision-making.

Module 5: Impact on Patients and Families
Learners will examine the wide-ranging impact of Huntington’s Disease on daily life. This module explores practical, emotional, and social challenges faced by individuals living with HD, as well as the pressures experienced by families and carers. Available support options for families are also discussed.

Module 6: Management and Treatment
This module outlines how Huntington’s Disease is managed in practice. Learners will explore multidisciplinary care approaches, current management strategies, and how symptoms are supported over time. Ethical and legal considerations, including consent and capacity, are introduced. A knowledge check supports understanding.

Module 7: Cognitive Impairments and Behavioural Changes
Learners will explore the cognitive and behavioural aspects of Huntington’s Disease in more detail. This includes difficulties with planning, concentration, and decision-making, as well as behavioural changes such as irritability and compulsive behaviours. The module provides strategies for managing these challenges in care settings.

Module 8: Caregiver Support
This module focuses on the needs of caregivers. Learners will explore the importance of caregiver self-care, psychological wellbeing, and recognising burnout. The module highlights practical strategies and support resources available to help carers sustain their role.

Module 9: Advocacy and Research
Learners will explore the role of advocacy in Huntington’s Disease care, including raising awareness and supporting access to services. This module also introduces current research developments and ongoing studies, helping learners understand how research may influence future care and treatment options. A knowledge check is included.

Module 10: Person-Centred Care
This module emphasises person-centred approaches when supporting individuals with Huntington’s Disease. Learners will explore how to tailor support to individual needs, preferences, and abilities, while preserving dignity, respect, and quality of life throughout disease progression.

Module 11: Family Issues
Learners will examine the emotional and practical challenges faced by families affected by Huntington’s Disease. This module explores coping strategies, communication within families, and ways professionals can support family resilience and long-term adjustment.

Module 12: End of Life Care
In the final module, learners will explore end of life care in Huntington’s Disease. This includes palliative care approaches, advance care planning, and providing comfort and emotional support. The module highlights the importance of compassionate, coordinated care at the end of life for both individuals and their families.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care workers
• Support workers and care assistants
• Nurses and allied health professionals
• Managers and team leaders
• Anyone supporting individuals or families affected by Huntington’s disease

No prior specialist knowledge is required.

Support and Further Information

Learners are signposted to specialist organisations such as Huntington’s Disease Association, which provides information, advocacy, and support for individuals, families, and professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Huntington’s disease the same for everyone?
No. Symptoms, progression, and impact vary widely between individuals.

Does this course cover genetics in an accessible way?
Yes. Genetic inheritance is explained clearly and sensitively, without assuming prior knowledge.

Is this course suitable for care home and community settings?
Yes. The course applies to residential, community, and clinical environments.

How long does the course take?
Most learners complete it in 1–2 hours, depending on experience.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is awarded upon completion.

Better understanding of Huntington’s disease leads to earlier recognition, more appropriate support, reduced stigma, and improved quality of life for individuals and families. Informed professionals play a vital role in ensuring care is respectful, consistent, and person-centred.

Enrol on the Huntington’s Disease Awareness Training Course today

Build knowledge, empathy, and confidence in supporting people affected by Huntington’s disease.