Dementia is something that is usually associated with older people. However, children, teenagers and young
adults can experience dementia as a result of a number of rare diseases and conditions. Niemann-Pick Disease
Type C (NPC) is an example of one of these diseases, and one of its main symptoms is dementia. (Hinton et al, 2005)
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During the Vote4Hope Pepsi Refresh Rare Disease Campaign, I am making video postings throughout September to raise awareness for all rare diseases, not simply the horrific disease called Niemann Pick Type C that my six year old identical twins suffer from. Today’s videos are some of the most heartwrenching videos I have ever watched. The videos [...] […]
If you are looking for information on the Pepsi Refresh Vote4Hope Rare Disease campaign being run by the Children’s Rare Disease Network and Global Genes Project, here are the links and information you need to help fund hope for sick kids. Click here for Pepsi Refresh Site Link – actual URL if you need it is: [...] […]
The Scientist Magazine By Alison McCook 30th June 2009 Researchers are slowly establishing a connection between an extremely rare genetic disease and HIV — and homing in on a safe, non-prescription compound that could treat both. Recently, James Hildreth at the Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., and his colleagues found that cell […]
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KC Metro Family Tries to Cope With 'Childhood Alzheimers'
—Click on the picture to go to the full story……
Video: (I will have to update this link. They have redirected the video)
If you tell someone that your child suffers from “Niemann Pick Disease Type C,” most people would have no idea what you’re talking about.
But if you tell them that your child suffers from “Childhood Alzheimers,” those people would begin to understand the seriousness of your child’s condition.
Niemann Pick disease is a rare and fatal disease that robs a child of both their past and their future, and for one metro family the condition is a double tragedy.
As a society we are somewhat familiar with common diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Multiple Scleroses, and Muscular Dystrophy.However, a name like, “Niemann-Pick Type C disease” leaves you wondering.
This genetic, neurodegenerative disorder strikes children through accumulation of cholesterol and other excess fats in the cells of the liver, spleen and brain. When brain cell function is blocked NP-C children lose coordination, stumble, fall and eventually need to be in wheelchairs, sleep in a hospital bed and utilize other adaptive equipment. As the disease worsens other devastating symptoms develop including loss of the ability to speak, swallow, laugh, remember, and often seizures occur. The health of children with NPC deteriorates until ultimately, the disease claims the child’s life. It is estimated that the diagnosis of this disease affects approximately 500 people worldwide (NPC).
NPC has been initially diagnosed as a learning disability, mild retardation, “clumsiness,” and delayed development of fine motor skills. It is not uncommon for a family to spend several years seeking a diagnosis before NPC is identified.
NPC is always fatal. The vast majority of children die before age 20 (and many die before the age of 10). Late onset of symptoms can lead to longer life spans but it is extremely rare for any person with NPC to reach age 40.
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