Impact of somato-cognitive coordination therapy on activities of daily living in a patient with Huntington's disease

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Dec 4;17(12):e262695. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-262695.

Abstract

Huntington's disease (HD) causes progressive neurodegeneration, impairing activities of daily living (ADL). Treatment focuses primarily on symptomatic relief through multidisciplinary approaches. This case report examines the impact of somato-cognitive coordination therapy (SCCT) on ADL in a patient with HD. A woman in her 40s with early-stage HD underwent 22 SCCT sessions using the mediVR KAGURA (mediVR), a virtual reality technology-based medical device over 20 months. Her total functional capacity rating scale improved from 10 to 11 and her Barthel Index improved from 90 to 100 within 3 months, allowing her to continue working. These improvements were sustained for 17 months. Objective measures like the single-leg stance test showed consistent progress. Improved cognitive function and psychiatric well-being were also suggested by the Trail Making Test and a return to hobbies like hiking. SCCT may have the potential to improve ADL and could complement multidisciplinary care strategy for HD patients.

Keywords: Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy; Movement disorders (other than Parkinsons); Neuro genetics; Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease* / complications
  • Huntington Disease* / psychology
  • Huntington Disease* / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome