Demystifying Genetics with John Conaghan

Welcome to a podcast all about Huntington disease (HD). Joining me in this podcast is Senior Social Worker John Conaghan. I love all my guests and love all of my conversations about demystifying genetics, however this podcast feels special. John is such a caring and empathic worker and his kindness shines through in this conversation.

We discuss what Huntington disease is and how it affects people with the condition and also the affect it has on their families. John has a long history of working with people and families affected with HD. John was working before the gene for HD was discovered. We talk about what it was like when genetic testing for the HD gene became available. Before direct genetic testing was available, a less sophisticated test called “linkage” was available and John discusses the issues with this type of testing and the hope that came with direct genetic testing. The new hope is that of genetic therapies that may come.

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