What Are You Doing for the Test of Your Life?

Huntington's Disease is a progressive brain disorder. There's a wide range of symptoms, but in the worst cases, people who have it can end up losing physical control of their bodies, sort of like Parkinson's Disease, and can also have mental symptoms that are like Alzheimer's or schizophrenia. If you have a parent with Huntington's Disease, you have a 50-50 chance of getting it. In this audio diary, a woman named Kelly has decided to get tested for the disease. Her mother has Huntington's and several of her family members have either been diagnosed, or are showing symptoms of the disease.

Paige Cowett of WNYC produced Kelly's audio diary. The story is part of a project called “The Antidote." There's more information about "The Antidote," and a video of Kelly and her niece Kayla, at the WNYC website. (12 minutes)