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Signs and Symptoms of Progeria Disease

Progeria is a very rare genetic disease that causes the body to age at least 8 times faster than normal. Its full name is Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome, and it means "prematurely old."

  1. Incidence of Progeria

    • According to Hayley's Progeria Page, only about 1 in every 8 million children has Progeria. The Progeria Research Foundation claims only 54 cases have been reported worldwide, but suspects up to 150 more undocumented cases exist.

    Age of Onset of Symptoms

    • Newborns with Progeria usually present as normal babies. Symptoms usually do not manifest until about 9 to 24 months of age.

    Growth Delays

    • Children with Progeria tend to display tremendous growth delays, evident by the age of 18 months to 2 years. They are short in stature and low in weight. Faces are extremely small relative to head size, with prominent eyes and sharp noses. Jaws are also small.

    Problems With Skeletal and Muscular Systems

    • Hip dislocation and stiffness of joints are also present in children with Progeria. Skin may become hardened on the trunk and extremities, or else appears loose and aged. Body fat and muscles are also lost.

    Other Symptoms of Progeria

    • Total body hair loss, including scalp hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, begins to occur around the age of 2. Children with Progeria also tend to have high-pitched voices, yet normal levels of intelligence.

    Cardiovascular Problems of Progeria

    • Progeria usually results in death from atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Death often occurs around age 13. However, the age range for children with Progeria is 8 to 21 years.

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