Many factors may make being active more difficult for someone with HD. Some of these are a result of the condition itself, like physical and cognitive factors, others may be obstacles imposed by the environment and non-disease related personal factors.
Physical Factors
The person with HD may find being active difficult because of:
Embarrassment at looking ‘different’ while being active in public. A general lack of fitness. If persons have not been physically active for a prolonged period of time, or they have problems with altered sleep patterns or poor nutrition they may be generally ‘unfit’. Therefore starting to be more active will be hard work, which can be de-motivating.
Cognitive Factors
The person with HD may find being active difficult because of:
Lack of motivation. This may occur as a direct result of the symptoms of HD, such as apathy and depression. These are common psychiatric symptoms that can make it challenging to be active.
Trouble getting started and trying new things. He or she may have problems engaging with any change of circumstances and daily structure.