About 30,000 Americans have Huntington's Disease and another 200,000 are at risk of developing it.

The genetic disease worsens over time, but new research shows the progression of the disease may be slowed down.

It's exciting news for George and Marielle Ziegler, who love every second they have with their son, George IV.

George III has Huntington's Disease.

"We can't change it, so we're better off just trying to live your life the best you can," said George III.

Huntington's is a genetic disease that's characterized by uncontrollable movements that worsen with time. Patients usually die within 25 years of diagnosis.

But Doctor Heidi Schwarz hopes to change that with the drug Minocycline.

"Right now, the only things that we have available through FDA indications are symptomatic treatments," said Schwarz, a neurologist at the University of Rochester. "What happens in Huntington's Disease is a group of cells within the brain are pre-programmed to die, and when they die, the disease starts to manifest."

Minocycline, a common antibiotic, prevents that programmed cell death. For Huntington's patients, it could slow the disease.

"It probably would allow them to remain functional longer," Schwarz said. "They might be able to work a few more years. It may allow them to have more quality time with the people that they love."

A small Austrian study showed promise. George has joined the U.S. study and has put his hope in the two pills he takes every day.

"When there is no cure, slowing the symptoms is something that is very positive," his wife said.

And that helps him keep his mind focused on the little things.

Minocycline is already FDA approved to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia. It also works against acne. 

Twelve sites in the United States and Canada are participating in the study on Huntington's Disease.

Researchers are no longer recruiting patients.