Tay-sachs Disease (Noun)
Meaning
A hereditary disorder of lipid metabolism occurring most frequently in individuals of Jewish descent in eastern Europe; accumulation of lipids in nervous tissue results in death in early childhood.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Tay-Sachs disease is a devastating genetic disorder that affects many families of Jewish descent, particularly those of Ashkenazi origin.
- Children born with Tay-Sachs disease often appear normal at birth, but begin to exhibit symptoms of the disorder, such as seizures and vision loss, by the time they are six months old.
- Research into the causes and potential treatments for Tay-Sachs disease is ongoing, with scientists exploring gene therapy and enzyme replacement therapy as possible avenues for treating the disorder.
- Prenatal testing for Tay-Sachs disease is widely available and recommended for couples of Jewish descent who are planning to have children.
- Unfortunately, Tay-Sachs disease is usually fatal by the age of five, as the accumulation of lipids in nervous tissue gradually destroys brain function and other essential systems.