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Genetic Disorders: Progeria Causes Premature Aging In Children

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Progeria
The word Progeria comes from the Greek word “progeros” meaning prematurely old. Progeria is a rare genetic disorder that causes premature aging in children. This premature aging goes unnoticed until the first year of a child’s life. Although one with Progeria is as mentally capable as any other, a child with Progeria experiences a dramatic aging process both internally and externally. (“About Progeria”, 2013)
One form of Progeria is Werner’s syndrome, which causes rapid appearance in features beginning at puberty. In this disease, there is a mutation in the MRN gene. (“Werner’s syndrome”, 2010) Cockayne syndrome is another disease characterized by premature aging. In this disease newborns are shown to have a mutation in the genes …show more content…

Both boys and girls receive the mutation equally. This mutation happens on the first pair of chromosomes and doesn’t show up in a karyotype. (“My Progeria Project”, 2013) Progeria also has nothing to do with ethnicity. Although not many cases have been reported, this disease can be found all over the globe. Progeria patients have a distinct look and even though they live in different parts of the world, they have many physical traits in common. Children with Progeria develop these physical characteristics usually within the first year of their lives. (“Meet the kids”, …show more content…

One problem that patients face is the need for calories. Because they have stunned growth, doctors recommend various ways to help them gain weight. Children are advised to wear cushioned shoes because of the lack of fat around their feet and ankles. Parents are encouraged to get their child involved in physical activity that is approved by their doctor. If this activity is outside, they are advised to apply generous amounts of sunscreen because of their sensitive, aged skin. Another important technique is to ensure that they are well hydrated, because it is more serious in children with Progeria. A child with Progeria has all the educational potential of a normal person, so children can still go to school and carry out many normal functions. (“Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2014)
The average life expectancy of a child with Progeria is thirteen years old but some have been known to live past this age. Because their bodies age ten times faster than normal, they start to experience health problems that would usually come later in life, as early as their teenage years. There are precautions and treatments that can be used to reduce the time in which illnesses will occur, but initially these children will have many health problems including hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke, etc. (“Progeria”,

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