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Does fragile x cause dementia?

Does fragile x cause dementia?

In affected adult premutation carriers, disorders ranging from mild cognitive deficits to frank dementia may be present. Neurocognitive difficulties associated with FXTAS include impairments in: attention, working memory, executive functioning, and both declarative and procedural learning (Grigsby et al., 2006a).

What is FXTAS?

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is characterized by problems with movement and thinking ability (cognition). FXTAS is a late-onset disorder, usually occurring after age 50, and its signs and symptoms worsen with age. This condition affects males more frequently and severely than females.

What type of mutation is fragile x syndrome?

Nearly all cases of fragile X syndrome are caused by a mutation in which a DNA segment, known as the CGG triplet repeat, is expanded within the FMR1 gene. Normally, this DNA segment is repeated from 5 to about 40 times. In people with fragile X syndrome, however, the CGG segment is repeated more than 200 times.

Does fragile X syndrome affect life expectancy?

Life expectancy for people with fragile X syndrome is generally normal. Many affected people participate in an active lifestyle and have good health. Some people are more prone to a number of medical problems, such as ear infections and/or seizures .

Do fragile X carriers have symptoms?

A fragile X carrier is someone who has an altered FMR1 gene, but does not show any obvious signs or symptoms of fragile X syndrome. Women who are fragile X carriers have up to a 50 percent chance of having a child with fragile X syndrome.

What is a premutation carrier?

A premutation carrier is an individual, male or female, who has between 55-200 CGG repeats in the Fragile X. (FMR1) gene. The full mutation is defined as over 200 CGG repeats. (A normal FMR1 gene has 6-54 CGG repeats.)

How does a person inherit fragile X syndrome?

This condition is inherited in an X-linked dominant pattern. A condition is considered X-linked if the mutated gene that causes the disorder is located on the X chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes. The inheritance is dominant if one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition.

How long is the average lifespan of a person with fragile X syndrome?

What does Dysmetria look like?

Dysmetria (English: wrong length) is a lack of coordination of movement typified by the undershoot or overshoot of intended position with the hand, arm, leg, or eye. It is a type of ataxia. It can also include an inability to judge distance or scale.

How do you treat Dysmetria?

Currently, there are no specific medications to cure dysmetria, but physical and occupational therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve motor function. Additionally, some tools can be used to assist in daily activities, such as weighted tools and utensils to facilitate eating and self-care.

What is the finger to nose test?

The Finger-to-Nose-Test measures smooth, coordinated upper-extremity movement by having the examinee touch the tip of his or her nose with his or her index finger. On one variation of the test, the examiner holds out his or her finger, about an arm’s length from the patient.

Who are the premutation carriers of Fragile X?

A premutation carrier is an individual, male or female, who has between 55-200 CGG repeats in the Fragile X (FMR1) gene. The full mutation is defined as over 200 CGG repeats.

How many people are carriers of Fragile X syndrome?

Large alterations to the FMR1 gene (over 200 CGG repeats) cause Fragile X Syndrome. However, some people have small alterations to this gene (55-200 repeats) and those with this version of the gene are described as being carriers or having a premutation. Approximately 1 in 250 females and 1 in 800 males are carriers.

How is fragile X syndrome passed from father to daughter?

All known cases of Fragile X Syndrome have been caused when the carrier gene has expanded when being passed from a mother to her child. Fathers pass X chromosomes (where the FMR1 gene is located) to their daughters, however there are no known cases where the gene has expanded to cause Fragile X Syndrome when passed from father to daughter.

Can a carrier have a child with a genetic disorder?

A carrier has an altered form of a gene that can lead to having a child or grandchild with a genetic disorder. We are all carriers of gene mutations, many of which are “silent.” This means we can pass the gene on but suffer no ill effects from it ourselves. It is only through genetic testing that we know which ones we carry.

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Ruth Doyle