Table of contents:
- Get to know Werner's syndrome, a rare disease
- What are the symptoms of Werner's syndrome?
- What causes Werner's syndrome?
- How is Werner syndrome treated?
As we get older, the body organs will experience aging. Environmental factors and unhealthy living habits can also accelerate aging. However, there are genetic disorders whose symptoms actually mimic premature aging. This condition is known as Werner syndrome. What syndrome is this?
Get to know Werner's syndrome, a rare disease
Aging is a natural process that occurs in the body. Starting from white hair to decreased organ function. In fact, not only because of age or exposure to free radicals, aging can occur due to rare diseases.
There is a genetic disorder that has symptoms such as premature aging. Yes, this disease is called Werner's syndrome (Werner's syndrome).
This disease is making a person experience the aging process quickly. This syndrome is the most common type of progeria.
Progeria or Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), can usually be detected from a baby aged 10 months to 1 year. Meanwhile, Werner syndrome will only cause symptoms after entering puberty.
What are the symptoms of Werner's syndrome?
Source: Werner Syndrome
Initially, a child with this syndrome can grow up like any other normal child. However, after going through puberty, there will be physical changes very quickly.
According to the National Institute of Health, the most common symptoms of Werner syndrome are:
- Short stature
- Gray hair and hoarseness
- The skin becomes thin and tough
- The arms and legs are very thin
- There is a buildup of abnormal fat in certain parts of the body
- The nose becomes pointed like a bird's beak
In addition to physical changes, people with this syndrome will also experience health problems that usually affect the elderly, such as:
- Cataracts in both eyes
- Type 2 diabetes and skin ulcers
- Atherosclerosis
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
- In certain cases it can cause cancer
People with Werner's syndrome can live to their late 40 or 50 early years, on average. Generally, death is caused by atherosclerosis and cancer.
What causes Werner's syndrome?
The main cause of Werner's syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the WRN gene that is problematic. The WRN gene is a Werner protein producer whose job is to maintain and repair DNA.
In addition, these proteins also help the process of replicating DNA for cell division.
In people with this disorder, the Werner protein is shorter and functions abnormally so that it is broken down more rapidly than normal protein.
As a result, there are growth problems and a buildup of damaged DNA, which can cause symptoms of faster aging and health problems.
How is Werner syndrome treated?
Until now, there is no specific treatment that can cure Werner's syndrome. The current treatment is only a combination of medication according to the specific symptoms experienced by the patient.
The doctor will work closely with specialists to treat the patient's condition, such as:
- Orthopedist to treat disorders of the skeleton, muscles, joints and body tissues that are problematic.
- Eye health specialist to treat cataracts
- Endocrinologist to help reduce diabetes symptoms
- Heart health specialist to treat abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels
In addition to drug administration, patients will also be recommended for therapy. This therapy helps patients to improve their quality of life by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, patients will also undergo several surgical processes to remove cataracts or remove cancer cells.
