Progeria: Premature Aging Disorder
Sabrina C. Rubio
Bossier Parish Community College
Progeria: Premature Aging Disorder
The name progeria comes from the Greek meaning “prematurely old”. According to “Progeria” (2003), progeria is, “A rare genetic disease that causes premature aging in young children.” It makes a 2 year old child not only look older but it also ages their health and organs. There are many types of progeria. The two major types of progeria are Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome and Werner's syndrome (Chara Jr., P.J., 2008). Progeria can also be known as “HGPS” which is Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is one of the most know forms of progeria. Although Werner's syndrome is a form of progeria it is different and not the same as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Werner's Syndrome is cause by a recessive gene and develops in late adolescence to young adults.
Progeria occurs “in about 1 per 4 million births” (Satre, D.D., 2003, p.519). Not only does the disease affect both boys and girls equally but according to Christian Nordqvist (2009, May 13), “Progeria appears to affect children of all races equally.” Researchers believe that Progeria is caused by a mutation in the gene called LMNA which makes the Lamin A protein that holds the nucleus of the cell together (The Science Behind Progeria, 2013). In other words, the defect in LMNA causes a defect in the protein Lamin A, which makes the nucleus of the cell unstable thus making children born with progeria. Children with progeria have the same health issues as someone who is 60 or 70 years old.
Children with progeria intellectual functioning is perfectly normal but because of their medical condition it may cause some challenges in an educational environment because of their illness is so rare, children and the families get stares, tease, and a sense of isolation. Although the child looks old because of progeria, they still like to do normal things...