PROGERIA

What is Progeria?

Progeria is a progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly.

Progeria is caused by a mutation that makes a single letter misspelling in a gene on chromosome 1, which is a vital component of the membrane surrounding the cell nucleus. The abnormal Lamin A protein produced in Hutchison-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is called progerin.

The HGPS disorder is extremely rare. For parents with no past afflicted children the chances of a diseased baby is 1 in every 4-8 million. For parents who had other afflicted children the chances are 2-3%

SYMPTOMS

• Rapid aging in children
• Loss of hair & body fat
• Poor development in height & weight
• Visible scalp veins
• Aged skin & narrow chest
• Protruding eyes
• Thin lips & stiff joints
• Beak-shaped nose
• Premature cardiac disea

The life expectancy with HGPS is normally the age of 13 but some kids have lived longer than expected.

Accommodations can be supplied to help ease pain or even extend their life span. Some accommodations include a wheelchair or medicine to relieve stiff joints or other Simpsons that come with age.

Progeria is being researched for a cure or a way to prevent the mutation. Research is lead by the Progeria research foundation.