Ageing, premature ageing progeria

Growing old early, premature ageing, progeria growing old too soon

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is an genetic disorder in which symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early age. 

Progeria is one of several progeroid syndromes. Individuals born with progeria live to their mid-teens to early twenties.

It is a genetic condition based on a new mutation, and is inherited on rare occasions. This is because carriers usually do not live to reproduce.

Although the term progeria applies to diseases characterized by premature aging, it is often applied specifically in reference to Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

Only 80 children in the world currently have Progeria,including 18 in the United States, according

to the Progeria Research Foundation. Children are born seemingly healthy, but start aging dramatically by the age of 2.The word progeria comes from the Greek words "pro" (πρό), meaning "before" or "premature", and "gēras"

(γῆρας), meaning "old age". Scientists are interested in progeria as it might reveal clues about the normal process of ageing.

Children usually develop the first symptoms during their first few months of life. The first symptoms

includes insufficient weight gain and a localized scleroderma-like skin condition.

After the child grows through infancy, additional conditions become apparent usually around 18–24 months.

Limited growth, full-body hair loss and a small face with a shallow recessed jaw.\n A pinched nose is

also developed adding to the characteristics of progeria.

Signs and symptoms of the disease tend to become more prevalent as the child ages. Later, the condition causes\n

Wrinkled skin

Atherosclerosis

Kidney failure

loss of eyesight

Cardiovascular problems.

A hardening and tightening of the skin called Scleroderma on trunk and extremities of the body, is prevalent.

Individuals with this disorder usually have small, fragile bodies, like those of elderly people.

Also the face is wrinkled with a larger head in relation to the body.

They also have a narrow face and a beak nose.

Prominent scalp veins\n

Prominent eyes

Suffers also have musculoskeletal degeneration, this causes loss of body fat and muscle,

stiff joints, hip dislocations, and other symptoms generally absent in the non-elderly population.

Individuals usually retain typical mental and motor development.