Heart health has been linked to lower levels of NfL, a key biomarker of brain cell damage in Huntington’s disease. This suggests heart-healthy habits - like exercise and diet - may have an effect on protecting the brain & keeping NfL in check.
A 14-year study tracking NfL levels in people with the HD gene shows this tiny protein can signal disease progression many years before symptoms start. The longest follow-up study yet adds weight to NfL as a powerful tool for HD research.
Researchers have detected early changes in brain scans and biomarkers in young people with the Huntington’s disease gene, 20 years before symptoms are predicted to appear. These findings could help develop medicines to treat HD earlier in life.