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College Essay On Progeria

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Progeria How is it possible for a child to be born looking healthy to then rapidly age and die at an early age? Progeria, a genetic disease, is the answer. This rare disease causes premature aging and is fatal. By looking at the symptoms, the genetic cause, the research for a cure, and what you can do it, is possible to understand progeria.
A child with progeria does not show symptoms at birth; however, within the first two years the disease will make itself known. Signs of progeria include growth failure, loss of body fat and hair, aged-looking skin, stiffness of joints, hip dislocation, generalized atherosclerosis (the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries), cardiovascular (heart) disease and stroke. Despite differences in ethnic …show more content…

There was a breakthrough in 2012 that provided a treatment to slow the disease. Lonafarnib, a type of farnesyltransferase inhibitor was used. When given this drug, patients gained weight, bone structure improved, and the flexibility of arteries increased. This treatment was is similar cancer treatments, and in time it may be modified to be more effective.
There are many ways to help children with progeria and their families. Whether you choose to donate time or money, everything you do is appreciated. Money donated can go to organizations such as the Progeria Research Foundation. This money will go to help fund research and help families manage with medical bills. Volunteering your time and meeting children with progeria is something more people are able to and allows you to meet and connect with these children.
In conclusion, progeria is a deadly genetic disease characterised by premature aging. Caused by a chance occurrence in the egg or sperm, families have no warning until symptoms manifest around the age of two. Though there is treatment for the disease, there is no cure. Donating your time or money to help progeria patients is a worthy cause. Hopefully, in the future a cure will be found and progeria will not affect children around the

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