TAY SACHS'S DISEASE

What is this Birth Defect?

This birth defect affects the nervous system and makes it hard for the baby to use it's senses. This is passed down genetically.

What Causes It?

The body refuses to make the protein Hexosaminidase, which destroys brain cells due to the build up of fatty cells.

Symptoms

• the baby will progressively lose the ability to see, hear, and move.
• A red spot will develop in the back of the child's eyes.
• The child will stop smiling, crawling, turning over, and reaching for things
• By the age of 2, the child may have seizures and become completely disabled
• Death usually occurs by the time the child is 5 years old.

How is it Diagnosed/Detected?

It could be detected before birth,after birth, or even years later. It is usually detected by blood tests.

How is it treated?

There is no cure for Tay Sachs, but you can help keep the child healthy by Respiration Care, Feeding Tubes, Physical Therapy, and Family Support.

Other Interesting Facts

The marker for this Tay Sachs is the red dot located on the retina

It's most commonly passed down through Jewish ethnic groups mainly the Ashkenazi.