Tay-Sachs Disease

Tay-Sachs disease results in the deterioration of the nervous system, usually resulting in death before the patient reaches age 5. It is caused by the absence of an enzyme which breaks down lipids, resulting in a lethal accumulation in cells. There is no treatment, but potential parents can be identified as carriers for the disease with a blood test.

Related Topics:

Genetics

Contributed by: CTNS