Huntington's disease

Northern Scotland has one of the highest rates of Huntington's disease in the world, according to a new study.

The study confirmed the rate of Huntington's disease in northern Scotland is 14.5 per 100,000 people - more than five times the estimated worldwide rate of 2.71.

On average, every person who has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease will have at least another 2.2 relatives who have the gene, meaning there are hundreds of people in northern Scotland who could be considered for effective treatments in the future, researchers said.

The research was led by Prof Zosia Miedzybrodzka of the University of Aberdeen and clinical lead for Huntington's disease at NHS Grampian, alongside Heather Cruickshank, genetic counsellor at NHS Grampian.

"Previous work looked at how many people in the area have been tested for Huntington's disease, that is people diagnosed with Huntington's disease signs and those with a gene alteration that will develop the condition in later life," Prof Miedzybrodzka explained.