Genetic Diseases
A Genetic Disease is a type of disease individuals inherit genetically normally at birth. They develop and are caused by the abnormality in genes. Genetic Diseases are normally passed down from parents or other past generations through their genes and DNA. In the nucleus of cells DNA is present. When cells devide chromosomes are created. If a parent has a DNA abnormality in their sperm or ovum, the baby is going to be diagnosed with some sort of genetic disease.
Examples of Genetic Diseases
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disease and has 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of 46. In an individuals cells there are 46 chromosomes. Twenty three of those come from your mother and the other 23 come from your father. When the cells have a copy of chromosome 21, Down Syndrome is developed. Individuals who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome have a small body built, short neck, small hands and feet, poor muscle tone, delayed speech and a flat face with a slant to the eye. There are also many health conditions for people who have down syndrome. For example, they have heart defects, hearing problems, Thyroid problems and Skeletal problems. Down Syndrome does not contain a cure however individuals with down syndrome are put into programmes such as speech therapy to help them develop their speech in their everyday life.
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disease and has 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of 46. In an individuals cells there are 46 chromosomes. Twenty three of those come from your mother and the other 23 come from your father. When the cells have a copy of chromosome 21, Down Syndrome is developed. Individuals who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome have a small body built, short neck, small hands and feet, poor muscle tone, delayed speech and a flat face with a slant to the eye. There are also many health conditions for people who have down syndrome. For example, they have heart defects, hearing problems, Thyroid problems and Skeletal problems. Down Syndrome does not contain a cure however individuals with down syndrome are put into programmes such as speech therapy to help them develop their speech in their everyday life.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is a disease where the body of an individual cant control normal blood glucose levels. The blood brings glucose to the body so it can provide it with energy but in the body of a diabetic glucose cannot be converted into energy. This is because in their bodies insulin does not work anymore. Insulin is needed because glucose is able to move out of the blood and into the cells which is used to create energy for the body. As a result of this when diabetic consume foods with a high sugar content it cannot be converted into energy and the glucose stays in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is normally diagnosed at the stage of children and adults. This is because it is a genetic disease and can be passed down from generation to generation.
Type 1 Diabetes is a disease where the body of an individual cant control normal blood glucose levels. The blood brings glucose to the body so it can provide it with energy but in the body of a diabetic glucose cannot be converted into energy. This is because in their bodies insulin does not work anymore. Insulin is needed because glucose is able to move out of the blood and into the cells which is used to create energy for the body. As a result of this when diabetic consume foods with a high sugar content it cannot be converted into energy and the glucose stays in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is normally diagnosed at the stage of children and adults. This is because it is a genetic disease and can be passed down from generation to generation.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is a disease of the nervous system. There are about 6.3 million people around the world who have been diagnosed with this disease and it is predicted it will rise to 8 million by 2030. The symptoms are shaking in areas such as hands, legs, arms, face and jaw. People with parkinson's also find it challenging to chew, swallow and speak. Parkinson's can be a genetic disease because it is said that 1 in 10 people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's have a family history of it. The shaking of parts of the body can affect the person in their daily activities as they wont be able to control themselves.
Parkinson's Disease is a disease of the nervous system. There are about 6.3 million people around the world who have been diagnosed with this disease and it is predicted it will rise to 8 million by 2030. The symptoms are shaking in areas such as hands, legs, arms, face and jaw. People with parkinson's also find it challenging to chew, swallow and speak. Parkinson's can be a genetic disease because it is said that 1 in 10 people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's have a family history of it. The shaking of parts of the body can affect the person in their daily activities as they wont be able to control themselves.
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This is an image captured by someone with Parkinson's Disease.
Actor, Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1991 and has been battling it for 21 years. He is now an activist for research towards finding a cure. He has a foundation called " The Michael J. Fox Foundation". Watch this interview as he shares his experiences with having Parkinsons Disease.