Progeria (pronunciation: /proʊˈdʒɪəriə/) (Hutchinson–Gilford
progeria syndrome, HGPS, progeria syndrome) is an extremely
rare genetic disorder
wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at a very early age.
Progeria is one of several progeroid syndromes.
The word progeria comes from the Greek words "pro" (πρό), meaning "before" or
"premature", and "gēras" (γῆρας),
meaning "old age". The disorder has a very low incidence rate,
occurring in an estimated 1 per 8 million live births. Those born with
progeria typically live to their mid teens to early twenties. It is a genetic
condition that occurs as a new mutation, and is rarely
inherited, as patients usually do not live to reproduce. 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 (HGPS).
Scientists are particularly
interested in progeria because it might reveal clues about the normal process
of aging Progeria was first described in 1886 by Jonathan Hutchinson.
It was also described independently in 1897 by Hastings Gilford. The condition was later named
Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome.
pictures of kids with progeria.
Signs
and symptoms
Children with progeria usually
develop the first symptoms during their first few months of life. The earliest
symptoms may include a failure to thrive
and a localized scleroderma-like skin
condition. As a child ages past
