A Genetic Counselor trained in adult onset conditions, especially in the “Huntington’s Protocol,” can be very helpful in working with families to prepare emotionally and logistically for testing.  For example, they might speak with families about:

• Understanding the various mutations, the person’s level of risk for inheriting the mutation from a parent, and their level of risk of developing the disease if they do carry the gene
• Getting life insurance or long-term care insurance set up in advance of testing
• Mentally rehearsing how the individual might respond to their results, whether positive or negative
• Building a plan for communicating or not communicating results to family and friends