is there a way to see if you are a carrier of the disorder progeria? (school assignment)?

Question

there is a disorder called progeria that causes premature aging in children that makes them look like they are about 80 yrs old when they are really only 4 or 5. the average life span is 13 years old. its also called HGPS and the Premature aging disorder. its really rare and really sad. any ideas if there is a way to screen for that as an adult to see if you have kids that they will have it? anybody even heard of this disease?

Answer 1

The condition was first identified in 1886 by Jonathan Hutchinson and Hastings Gilford. The condition was later named Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome (HGPS). Around 100 cases have been identified since then.
Ninety percent of children with progeria have a mutation on the gene that encodes the protein lamin A. Progeria usually occurs sporadically, and is not seen in siblings of affected children, although -- in very rare circumstances -- more than one child in a family can have progeria. Mutations in lamin A that cause progeria can be found using gene sequencing, but this is not usually needed for diagnosis.
Please see the web pages for more details on Progeria.

Answer 2

Unlike many genetic mutations, Hutchison-Gilford progeria isn't passed down in families. Rather, the gene change is a chance occurrence that researchers believe affects a single sperm or egg just before conception. Neither parent is a carrier, so the mutations in the children's genes are new (de novo).

There are, however, other progeroid syndromes that run in families. They include Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome and Werner's syndrome. In Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome, also known as neonatal progeroid syndrome, onset of aging begins in the womb, and signs and symptoms are apparent at birth. Werner syndrome begins in adolescence or early adulthood. These inherited progeroid syndromes also cause rapid aging and shortened life span.

However, with the discovery of the genetic mutation that causes progeria, it's possible to use genetic testing for LMNA mutations at the first suspicion of progeria. The sooner you know your child has progeria, the sooner your doctor can recommend treatments that may help ease the signs and symptoms of the disorder.

A blood test may reveal that your child has a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the so-called good cholesterol that helps keep arteries open. This laboratory finding isn't diagnostic by itself, but may lend support to a diagnosis of progeria.


http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/progeria/DS00936/DSECTION=5

Answer 3

I have indeed heard of this disease, and read articles about it. It seems to be something in the genes. But such tests are expensive, and so are not warranted unless the condition has appeared in the family before.

Answer 4

You have the basics. Here is a website that can help you with your assignment. It is, after all, your assignment.

http://www.progeriaresearch.org/about_progeria.html

Answer 5

i have it am only 11 but look 60 am 6,0ft tall 200lbs and grey hair and starting 2 lose it

Answer 6

http://www.progeriaresearch.org/