Family of Delaware County Sheriff’s wife hope to bring awareness to fatal disease

JAY, Okla. – The Delaware County Sheriff's Department announced the passing of Chasity Beck on social media. Chasity was the wife of Delaware County Sheriff James Beck.

She died on Nov. 11 at the age of 45.

The family said Chasity died from Huntington's Disease, a genetic and hereditary disease, and through social media posts, is encouraging testing.

Chasity Beck's obituary

In addition to James Beck, Chasity Beck is survived by four sons, Trace Beck, Tyler Nail, Chandler Nail and Cadon Beck.

According to the Huntington's Disease Society of America website, Huntington's disease is a relatively rare inherited disease that causes nerve cells in the brain to break down gradually. While there is no cure for the disease, medications can help relieve some of the symptoms.

The symptoms of Huntington's Disease usually start between the ages of 30 and 50. However, people can develop symptoms at any age, and in some families, symptoms may be seen earlier in each generation.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease The symptoms of HD can vary a lot from person to person, but they usually include:

Personality changes, mood swings & depression

Forgetfulness & impaired judgment

Unsteady gait & involuntary movements (chorea)

Slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing & significant weight loss

There are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at risk of inheriting the disease, according to the group.

The Centers of Excellence work with families to plan the best care program throughout the disease. For the exact address of each HDSA Center of Excellence, use the group's resources page .