Part 1
Part 2
Q & A

PART 1 - Penny Hogarth, M.D.

The Human Genome Project had as its initial goal the sequencing of 3 billion chemical pairs that make up the human genetic code: the so-called "blueprint of life". With the project's completion two years ahead of schedule in 2003, our understanding of the role of genetics in human disease is rapidly expanding. Information from the field of genetics is not only giving us extraordinary insight into diseases that affect the brain and nervous system, but also providing new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment. We are unraveling Huntington's disease, Fragile X syndrome, and a host of other inherited conditions affecting both children and adults, as well as the interaction between the environment and our genes. This new knowledge, particularly the ability to predict the likelihood of developing certain diseases through genetic testing, brings special risks, responsibilities and societal implications.

Penny Hogarth, M.D., and Karen Kovak, M.S., discuss these issues. Hogarth is a neurologist who specializes in the treatment of patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tremor and Huntington's disease. She has an active clinical research program and a particular interest in genetic disorders that affect the brain. Kovak is a genetic counselor at OHSU with 23 years' experience in pediatric, adult and cancer genetics.

More Streaming Videos