AKA: Progeria
What Is Progeria?
Progeria is a rare
genetic condition characterized by an appearance of
accelerated aging in children. Generaly, children that are 10 years of age will have the same
respitory,
muscular, and general health of a 70 year old adult.
The general characteristics are
dwarfism,
baldness, a
pinched nose, small face and jaw relative to
head size, delayed
tooth formation,
aged-looking skin,
stiffness of joints, hip
dislocations, generalized
atherosclerosis, and
cardiovascular problems. Most children affected have a remarkably similar appearance, despite
racial background. At present, there is no cure or specific
treatment available because the exact cause in unknown.
Associated Disease:
Werner Syndrome
AKA: Progeria of the adult
More Information: www.progeriaresearch.org
Source: THE PROGERIA SYNDROME FACT SHEET
Written by W. Ted Brown,
MD,
PhD
Professor and
Chairman, Dept. Of
Human Genetics
NYS Institute for Basic Research
Staten Island,
NY