FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christopher Cosentino
Director, Marketing & Communications
(212) 242-1968 ext. 229
ccosentino@hdsa.org
New York, NY, January 19, 2017 — The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) launched their new mobile app, HDNavigator, featuring a collection of useful tools and resources for all members of the Huntington’s disease (HD) Community – patients, caregivers, at-risk individuals, as well as family members and friends. The app was made possible by a generous gift from Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals and is available for free download by searching “HDNavigator” or “HDSA” in iTunes or Google Play.
HDNavigator by HDSA is a first-of-its-kind personal assistant tool for individuals managing HD care. It features:
- Vital information for emergencies, including talking points and emergency contacts
- Medication and general life reminders, perfect for both patients and caregivers
- Contacts and notes sections for organizing information from appointments
- Communication boards to provide visual aids to help those who have trouble speaking
- A peer connector to find nearby HDSA Chapter members or National Youth Alliance members
- A mobile “locate resources” feature to find your closest HDSA Center of Excellence, Social Worker, Support Group or other resources
- An up-to-date event finder to help get involved in your community and meet others to make a difference
- A listing of important related links and suggested apps and games for HD information and brain health
“Managing a chronic, degenerative disease like Huntington’s requires organizational skills, good communication and the ability to connect with valuable resources – all areas of function that are all affected in HD,” said Louise Vetter, CEO of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. “HDNavigator is a simple, HD-specific tool that can help everyone in HD families have more access to support and personalized care information right in the palm of their hand.”
Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure.
Each child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes Huntington’s disease. Today, there are approximately 30,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of Huntington’s disease are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families.
To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call 1-800-345-HDSA.
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