Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Huntington's Awareness Month - Amaryllis Month

November 2010

As Minister of Health, I am pleased to recognize November as Huntington's Awareness Month; a Canada-wide initiative to raise awareness of this debilitating genetic disorder and its effects. 

According to the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC), one in 10,000 Canadians has Huntington's, and about five in every 10,000 are at risk of developing it. Although Huntington's symptoms can show up in childhood, they often start between the ages of 30 and 45.

While the effects of Huntington's vary, they can include emotional turmoil including depression, apathy, and obsessive behaviour. This disease can also cause loss of mental faculties, leaving a person unable to focus, think clearly, make decisions and have difficulty with their memory.  The physical symptoms can include weight loss, involuntary movements, diminished coordination, and an inability to walk, talk, and swallow. Eventually, people with this condition are unable to care for themselves. Many become bed-ridden and may suffer complications, such as congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

The Government of Canada is committed to reducing the burden of Huntington's, both for Canadians living with the disease and for their families, friends and caregivers. Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the government has invested nearly $16.7 million in Huntington's research since 2000. In 2009-2010, $1.6 million was invested in research in this area. Working with Canada's major neurological charities, the Government of Canada has also committed $15 million in funding for a four-year population study of Canadians affected by neurological diseases, such as Huntington's.  

The HSC provides Huntington's patients and caregivers with support and resources, increases public awareness, and undertakes research. The amaryllis, the HSC's national flower, represents hope for a cure. This month, the Society is selling amaryllis kits to raise funds for research and family services programs. 

While a cure does not exists, research is helping to increase our understanding of changes in the body associated with this disease. These advances give us hope that new treatments could improve the lives of people living with Huntington's disease.

I encourage Canadians to learn more about this disease. For more information, please visit the  Huntington Society of Canada's website.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada