HDSA Center of Excellence at Hennepin County Medical Center

Hennepin County Medical Center is committed to finding a cure for Huntington's Disease (HD) while providing education and services to those affected by the disease and their families. We provide services and referrals to families trying to cope with the devastating effects of the disease, and educate the public and health care professionals about Huntington's Disease.

Commenting on the new FDA approval of tetrabenazine, Dr. Martha Nance, Director of the Huntington's Disease Clinic at Hennepin noted:

“This is a historic time in the history of Huntington’s Disease research, because for the first time, a drug has been approved for use in HD! Tetrabenazine is only a treatment for chorea, and it will not change the course of the disease, but improving the quality of life for people with HD is a big step in the right direction! We expect the drug to be available in pharmacies by December, so those with HD and their families should talk to their doctors to see if this would be an appropriate treatment for them.”

The Huntington's Disease Center of Excellence at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) has provided care in the Upper Midwest for patients and families with HD since 1978. It was established through the individual efforts of Sally Hogan, a spouse and mother of HD-affected individuals, and Dr. Milton Ettinger, the now retired Chief of Neurology. We have cared for hundreds of patients and families touched by HD over the past 25 years.

The multidisciplinary HD team of care providers, in addition to providing patient care, has provided educational services for a number of students of nursing, medicine, genetic counseling, psychology, neuropsychology, chaplaincy, physical therapy, occupatinal therapy, dietary and speechpathology
and long term care staff. The clinic is affiliated with University Good Samaritan Long Term Care Facility that has a 50-bed Huntington's Disease unit. The HD Clinic has close interactions with the Minnesota Chapter of the HDSA.

HCMC, located in downtown Minneapolis, is a public teaching hospital associated with the University of Minnesota. The Huntington's Disease Clinic is located in HCMC in the Neurology Clinic, Purple Building, Level 5. Dr. Martha Nance is Medical Director of the Huntington's Disease Clinic at HCMC. She is an author and national and international speaker as well as a medical educator. She is the Medical Director of the Struthers Parkinson’s Center and on the Staff at Park Nicolett Medical Clinic. Dr. Bundlie is involved in the Huntington's Disease Clinic, Stroke Clinic, General Neurology Clinic, and Sleep Clinic as well as a medical educator.

Special Note: We would like to acknowledge and thank the HCMC Service League for providing grant funds to help maintain these web pages.