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Background:
Although depression being the most common behavioral manifestation in HD, aggression and irritability
are also commonly reported. A positive effect of natural products has been reported for aggression and
irritability. However, the effect of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions in treating
aggression and irritability in HD remains inconclusive.
Aim: 1
To assess the effect of Ceylon tea on the behavioral manifestations in HD.
Method:
Sociodemographic, dietary and clinical data of 23 genetically confirmed HD patients were recorded.
Behavioral Assessment was performed by Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale- Behavioral
Assessment (UHDRS-b). Subscales of UHDRS-b; depression, irritability/aggression,
obsessive/compulsive behaviours, apathy and psychosis were computed.
Results:
HD patients:[Adult onset n=22 (96%), Juvenile onset n=l (4%), Male n= 10 (44%), Female n=13
(56%)], age of onset: 16-64yrs (mean= 43.6±13). Tea consumption and UHDRS-b; Low- Black tea
consumption- LTC(<2 cups/day) n= 12, range 19-69 (median= 40.5); High- Black tea consumptionHTC (>3 cups/day) n= 11,range 18-61 (Median= 27).Values for each subscales of UHDRS-b with
LTC/HTC value range, median respectively; depression- [LTC 3-48,17;HTC 1-52,13];
irritability/aggression- [LTC 9-23,13; HTC 0-16,6]; obsessive/compulsive- [LTC 0-15,l;HTC 0-22,2];
apathy- [LTC 3-12,6:HTC 0-6,4]; psychosis- [LTC 0-12,1 :HTC 0-3,0] A significant difference obtained
between LTC and HTC for the irritability/aggression subscale P-0.0056*.
Conclusion:
This pilot data suggests that, regular consumption of black tea is associated with a reduced
irritability/aggression in HD. However further studies with larger sample size are warrant.
