Researchers have found a new treatment for Huntington's disease , an inherited genetic brain disease that affects over 41,000 Americans, in breakthrough clinical trial that involved at least one Louisiana patient.

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease long considered untreatable that gradually deteriorates a person's physical and mental abilities, often leading to death within 10 to 30 years of diagnosis.

Although researchers cannot name participants of the clinical trial, Karen Paterson, who hosts a Huntington's disease support group in Baton Rouge, said the lasting implications could change many lives here in Louisiana.

"It is wonderful news after many research disappointments," Paterson said. "We are grateful for a breakthrough and a reason to hope at last. We have

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