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Health Check: 'Breakthrough' in Treating Fatal Brain Condition

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2017/12/13 GMT

'Breakthrough' in Treating Fatal Brain Condition

BBC World Service - Health Check, 'Breakthrough' in Treating Fatal Brain Condition

Scientists at UCL have corrected the faulty gene linked to Huntington's Disease

'Breakthrough' in treating fatal brain condition Huntington’s Disease; Sex education in the Lebanon; how shame affects our health

There’s been a breakthrough this week in the fatal brain condition, Huntington’s Disease. Affected families are told they have a 50% chance of passing the faulty gene onto their children – and up until now there has been no treatment. Scientists at University College London corrected the genetic defect for the first time ever – using an experimental drug which was injected into the spinal fluid. This safely lowered levels of toxic proteins in the brain.

Twenty years after its removal from the school curriculum, what is the state of sex education in the Lebanon? Some schools teach basic health information but helplines and workshops aim to fill in the gaps for young people keen to know the facts. 

Going to see the doctor can be embarrassing especially if you have to take off clothes or discuss a personal issue. The shame which can result from embarrassment can mean we don’t tell the doctor the whole story about our worries and this can affect our health. We hear from a researcher who wants doctors to consider how shame can get in the way of good healthcare. 

(Photo: Peter Allen has Huntington's disease and his siblings Sandy and Frank also have the gene. © James Gallagher BBC)

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