Tay+Sach's+Disease.

= = Tay Sachs Disease

What is Tay Sachs Disease? Tay Sachs Disease is identified first in babies. Once the baby is almost half a year old, it is usually recognized. It effects the fifteenth chromosome of the child. It is found in many Jewish people. Fatty proteins build up in the brain and effect many parts and functions of everyday life. It destroys nerve cells and usually leads to paralysis. Children with this disease usually end up having to eat with feeding tubes. A simple blood test can show if a person has Tay Sachs disease or not. Children with the disease usually end up dying by the age of four. There are mutations in the HEXA gene with this disease. It carries throughout families. This disease effects the person's whole and short life span. What are some symptoms of this genetic disease? Some symptoms of Tay Sachs Disease are:

-Blindness or weakening of the eyes. -Muscle weakening. -Deafness. -Bad motor skills. -Feeding problems. -Seizures. -Startling of the reflexes. -Red spots on the eyes. -Unsteady walking.

As you can see, people with Tay Sachs disease can't do very much. Since there is no cure, they can't really get the help they need. Doctors right now are trying to find a cure, but so far, they haven't been successful.

Unfortunately, it is pretty obvious to notice if a person with this disease has a defect. They would probably be in a wheelchair and look very unhealthy. Also, they would probably have a feeding tube so they can get their essential nutrients.

Is this genetic disease common?

Since it is genetic, it is passed on each generation, so, even though your parents don't have the disease, they could still be carriers for it. Maybe it is recessive in some families, so maybe one unlucky person who gets the genes would have this. There are sixteen cases identified in America each year. Even though this is a very rare disease, it is very sad. Victims don't live for very long and they don't have many abilities. It takes a huge toll on their life. This genetic disease is very uncommon in adults because of how early it effects the individual. Since almost all of the victims end up dying so young, this disease isn't very well known. Below are pictures of people diagnosed with Tay Sachs Disease and what neuron it effects: 

Below are my sources in which I found my information. To find out even more about Tay Sachs Disease, visit some of the sites listed. Sources:

[|**http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/taysachs/taysachs.htm**]

[|**http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/tay_sachs.html**]

[|**http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=taysachsdisease**]

[|**http://www.mayoclinic.org/tay-sachs-disease/symptoms.html**]

[|**http://nervous-system.emedtv.com/tay-sachs-chromosome/tay-sachs-chromosome.html**]