Ending the Suffering: New Huntington Disease Center Tackles Debilitating Brain Disorder
For seven years, Susan Catlette and her husband, Mel Womble, had no idea what was causing his short-term memory loss, difficulty swallowing and depression. He moved from doctor to doctor, with varying diagnoses, including one stating that his problems were purely psychological. The couple was finally referred to a neurologist, who, after examination and family discussion, ordered a battery of tests including a new genetic test for Huntington disease. It came back positive. Sadly, Mel passed away in 2004.
Thinking back on that time, Susan says, “Although it was a relief to have an explanation for Mel’s symptoms, our research revealed that what lay ahead for him was scary.”
