Tay-Sachs Disease

Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, hereditary disease that affects young children, primarily Ashkenazi Jews, French Canadians, and other isolated or self-selecting populations. Caused by the lack of an enzyme that leads to a buildup of fats in nerve and brain cells, it gradually destroys the affected cells, leading to a loss of mental and physical abilities, and, eventually, death. In this fascinating offering, ""Tay-Sachs Disease"" discusses the nature of the disease, why it affects certain groups of people more often than others, how genetic screening can help detect carriers of the Tay-Sachs gene, and what options genetic testing and counseling provide for having children. Student researchers will discover the new medical treatments being used experimentally to treat Tay-Sachs disease, as well as the new genetic treatments that may someday provide a means of curing this degenerative condition.