Dealing With Tay-Sachs
Renee Cooper
How did my child get Tay-Sachs?
- Tay- Sachs is a disorder that causes fats to build up in brain cells (GM2 ganglioside) because there is a lack of an enzyme called hexosanminidase.
- Tay-Sachs is an autosomal recessive trait, meaning that it skips generations and both parents must be carriers in order for your child to get this disorder.
- There are no environmental causes.
- It affects the HEXA gene and chromosome 15.
How do I know if my child has Tay-Sachs?
If you feel like your child could have Tay-Sachs, here are some key signs and symptoms that will help you better identify what is going on with your child:
- Lack of motor skills
- Blindness
- Intellectual impairment
- Neurological impairment
Is there hope for a cure?
Late on-set Tay-Sachs:
- People with late on-set Tay-Sachs can take a medication that is typically used to treat seizures (Chaperone).
Early on-set Tay-Sachs