Essay --

What is progeria? The word Progeria is a Greek word â€Å"progeros† meaning 'prematurely old' Progeria is a rare genetic disease that causes children to age faster than normal. Children with this disease do not show any symptoms at birth until after their first 10 months, after which their face and body will start to show accelerated retardation and resembles to that of an adult. Their head usually grows to that of an adult and their hair will start to disappear as they grow. Life average expectancy for children affected by this illness is usually between 13 to 20 years. Research shows the major causes of death of children affected by this disease is heart failure and stroke. Causes Symptoms Complications Preparing for your appointment Tests and diagnosis Treatments and drugs Lifestyle and home remedies Lifestyle and home remedies coping and support Causes Majority of children with this disease have a change in the gene that is responsible for encoding the LMNA in their bodies. LMNA is a gene that is responsible for producing a protein that helps maintain the structural integrity of the nucleus in human cells. When LMN A malfunctions certain nucleus in the body becomes unbalance. As a result of this malfunctioned nucleus, it is believed that the malfunctioned or the unbalanced proteins are the cause of progeria in children. Sometimes this disease occurs without any given cause. It sometimes occurs in a family that has not such history. While this disease affects the genes that helps our body to function there is no proven research which shows that it hereditary. Symptoms Children with this disorder are born normal at birth. They start to show characteristics of this disease before their first birthday. At this time they will start to... ...t blood clots. Growth hormone medication may also help the patient increase height and weight. Research also shows that there are steps parents and doctors can take to improve the quality of life for children affected by this disease. Example: since poor appetite is associate with this disease, parents are encourage to give certain nutritional supplements, like Pediasure and Boost to help patient get the nutrition and calories they need. Lifestyle and home remedies There are some steps parents can take at home that may help child affected by this disease. Parent should make sure to keep children with progeria stay warm and always hydrated. Dehydration can cause more harm to children affected with this disease. The child needs to always drink enough, more so whenever they are ill. They should always be provided with meals they are reach in nutrients and calories.