Progeria (also known as “Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome”,[1] “Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome”,[2] and “Progeria syndrome”[2]) is an extremely rare genetic condition wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early age. The word Progeria comes from the Greek progeros meaning ‘prematurely old’. The Greek word ‘pro’ means ‘before’, while the word ‘geras’ means ‘old age’ . The disorder has very low incidences and occurs in an estimated 1 per 8 million live births.[3] Those born with progeria typically live to their mid teens and early twenties.[4][5] It is a genetic condition that occurs as a new mutation (de novo), and is not inherited. Although the term progeria applies strictly speaking to all diseases characterized by premature aging symptoms, and is often used as such, it is often applied specifically in reference to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome.
Scientists are particularly interested in progeria because it might reveal clues about the normal process of aging.[6][7][8] Progeria was first described in 1886 by Jonathan Hutchinson[9] and also described independently in 1897 by Hastings Gilford.[10] The condition was later named Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS).
Signs and symptomsThe earliest symptoms include failure to thrive and a localized scleroderma-like skin condition. As a child ages past infancy, additional conditions become apparent. Limited growth, alopecia, and a distinctive appearance (small face and jaw, pinched nose) are all characteristics of progeria. People diagnosed with this disorder usually have small, fragile bodies, like those of elderly people. Later, the condition causes wrinkled skin, atherosclerosis, kidney failure, loss of eye sight, hair loss, and cardiovascular problems.
The Term Paper on Progeria
... in 1886. Thus, an alternate name for progeria is Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome. Hutchinson invented the shorter term progeria, a combination of Greek words meaning “prematurely old ... can be taken. Causes Progeria is a rare condition that is remarkable because its symptoms strongly resemble normal human aging, but occur in ...
A child with this condition show signs of symptoms usually around 18-24 months. After being born a healthy looking baby, their height and weight suddenly fall below average for their age. Individuals generally retain normal mental and motor development. There are many signs and symptoms of this progressive disease, and they tend to get worse as the child ages. The facial appearance is usually wrinkled, with a larger head bigger than their body, with a narrow face and a beak nose. The child experiences full-body alopecia. Scleroderma, a hardening and tightening of the skin on trunk and extremities of the body, is also prevalent. Since they experience hair loss, you can notice prominent scalp veins, as well as prominent eyes. Musculoskeletal degeneration causes loss of body fat and muscle, stiff joints, hip dislocations, and other symptoms not generally found in the non-elderly population