Clinical Description continued

Life Expectancy

-fatal disease

-90% of Progeria related deaths are caused by heart attack or stroke

-average life expectancy is 13 years

-some die at 6 or 7

-the oldest person with Progeria lived to 29

Quality of Life

-although they live short lives they are able to enjoy life

-they can go to school with other kids

-doesn't interfere with intellectual development

Treatment

-physical and mental therapy to help give the children as normal lives as possible

-given aspirin to counteract stroke

-high calorie diet for weight gain

-periodic checkups for heart and blood vessels