Essay On Angelman Syndrome

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Angelman Syndrome: Angels on Earth
Angelman syndrome (AS), first described by Dr. Harry Angelman in 1965 is a neuro-genetic disorder that arises in one of 15,000 live births in the nation. This syndrome most commonly presents developmental delays, minimal speech, and the inability to walk; these are very common symptoms of many other more frequently diagnosed disorders. It is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism due to the similar characteristics it possesses and its lack of identification. However, the characteristic possessed by the individual who has Angelman is the expression of happiness. This kind of expression is associated with general exuberance and profuse smiling and laughing, as well as an elated personality. Due to the name and the joyful demeanor, carriers of this syndrome are called Angels.
The normal human karyotype comprises 22 chromosomes from the mother, and 22 from the father. AS is caused by the loss of the normal maternal contribution to a region of chromosome 15, most commonly by deletion of a segment of that chromosome. However, if the paternal contribution to a region of chromosome 15 took place, it would be called Prader-Willi syndrome, the sister disorder of AS. Both disorders can result from deletion, uni-parental disomy, single gene mutation, and imprinting defects of chromosome 15. These two conditions contain both complex similarities and clinical distinctions. They both feature neurological, developmental, and behavioral phenotypes as well as other structural and functional abnormalities. However, symptoms of AS include seizures and ataxia, while PWS includes obsessive-compulsive symptoms and hypothalamic insufficiency.
Angelman syndrome is most often detected at six years old but become...

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...ample would be the PODD system (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display). This tool has been proven effective for children with disabilities ranging on the autism spectrum and I believe could be beneficial to an Angel.
Angelman Syndrome is a neuro-genetic disorder, brought upon the body through the mutilation or deletion of the maternal 15th chromosome. The prevalence of this disorder is still constantly debated because of the common symptoms it shares with other disorders, making it difficult to recognize and differentiate. More specific studies of behavior are needed to increase the range of knowledge on such a complex disorder. In 2007 Dr. Weeber relieved a mouse model of many symptoms of Angelman Syndrome. Studies of this disease are crucial for finding the cure. Even though this is a difficult challenge, there are signs of hope to cure this disease for humans.

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