Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What causes progeria?

Progeria is caused by a rare genetic mutation of the LMNA gene. In progeria, the LMNA gene is changed at a very specific point, which causes a range of symptoms associated with premature ageing. The mutation or alteration to LMNA occurs at random, which means that parents and other children are virtually never affected by the condition.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is progeria?

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), is an extremely rare genetic condition that causes children to prematurely age.

What are the symptoms of progeria?

Signs and symptoms of progeria usually appear in a child from around the age of one year. These can include: weighing less and being shorter than others their age; aged-looking skin; hair loss and baldness; visible veins; a small face with a pinched nose …

Who gets progeria?

Progeria is a random and rare genetic condition that affects one in four million newborns worldwide.

How is progeria diagnosed?

It is possible to diagnose progeria using a genetic test. This involves taking a blood sample to see if there is a mutation in the LMNA gene.

How is progeria treated?

Currently there is no cure for progeria; however, research is ongoing. There are medications available to manage some symptoms and improve quality of life. These include cholesterol-lowering medications to slow atherosclerosis and osteoporosis medication to …

Can progeria be cured?

Currently there is no cure for progeria.

Is progeria contagious?

Progeria is not contagious.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome may occur when an unborn child is exposed to alcohol consumed by its mother during pregnancy. The condition may have devastating effects on the development of the fetal brain and the child’s subsequent intellectual, physical and behavioural development.…
Diseases & conditions

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect how a person moves and controls their muscles. It is a result of damage that occurs to the brain before birth, or in the first few months after.…
Diseases & conditions

Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes physical, developmental and intellectual impairment. Not all characteristics are present in all people with Down syndrome and levels of impairment can vary greatly.…
Diseases & conditions

Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that prevents the breakdown of phenylalanine, an amino acid that plays an important role in metabolism. A build-up of phenylalanine in the body can lead to an intellectual disability.…
Diseases & conditions

Autism

Autism refers to a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that falls within a spectrum of similar disorders. People with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulties relating to their environment and interacting with people, have limited interests and may show repetitive behaviours and heightened sensitivities. Autism affects almost four times as many boys than girls.…
Diseases & conditions

Cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions in which the two sides of a baby’s top lip or roof of the mouth do not join up during foetal development. Surgery is normally performed to correct the condition, usually between the ages of six months and two years.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 507 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Fetal alcohol syndrome

×

Content goes in here.