Huntington Study Group's Neuropsychology Working Group: Implementing Non‐Motor Diagnostic Criteria

Background The clinical diagnosis of manifest Huntington's disease (HD) relies on a high level of clinical confidence (99% confidence) of HD‐consistent motor signs. Longitudinal data have reliably identified cognitive and behavioral dysfunction predating clinical motor diagnosis by up to 15 years. Reliance on motor signs to establish a diagnosis of HD increases risk of early misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Clinical neuropsychologists are uniquely positioned to advise on the clinical application of the Movement Disorder Society Task Force's recently proposed non‐motor diagnostic criteria for HD. Objectives To provide (1) a recommended clinical approach toward non‐motor diagnostic criteria in persons with HD and facilitation of accurate diagnosis; (2) recommended practices for medical treatment providers to screen and longitudinally monitor non‐motor signs of HD. Methods The Huntington Study Group re‐established the Neuropsychology Working Group, then recruited a multi‐disciplinary group of neuropsychologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists to conduct an unstructured literature review and discuss expert opinions on practice, to facilitate an informal consensus opinion to accomplish the objectives. Results The opinion and an example protocol for medical treatment providers to screen, monitor, and triage non‐motor signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease is provided. Conclusions Clinical diagnosis of non‐motor HD is empirically justified and clinically important. Screening and triage by non‐neuropsychologist clinicians can aid in detecting and monitoring non‐motor Huntington's disease manifestation. The Neuropsychology Working Group consensus advances good clinical practice, clinical research, and quality of life. A companion position paper presenting the details of our consensus opinion regarding evidence‐based guidelines for neuropsychological practice is forthcoming.