Fragile X syndrome is a condition that relates to the mental capacity of an individual. This particular disease is inherited and is the number one contributing factor to mental retardation, aside from Down syndrome. There are a variety of different symptoms attributed to this disease as it is one of the most prevalent medical conditions that affects the brain of a developing human being. With the combination of physical and mental defects, Fragile X syndrome is a debilitating disease. Below is more information pertaining to Fragile X Syndrome and how it has affected many families throughout the world.
Men and Women Statistics
1. Much like the majority of mental disorders experienced by the general population, both men and women are affected by Fragile X, women more so than men.
2. 1 in 151 women in the United States will be affected by this disease and 1 in 468 men will be affected.
3. Women are more likely to inherit other disorders alongside Fragile X such as Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.
4. Men may also experience detrimental health disturbances such as memory problems, balance issues, and repetitive tremors.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Also known as Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), this disorder forces the ovaries within a woman’s body to experience an inability to function sufficiently, leading to early menopause or complete infertility. This is also an issue that may affect women who are carriers of the Fragile X gene, rather than individuals who have inherited the debilitating gene. As previously mentioned, women are more likely to go through menopause earlier than women who do not have the gene. Individuals with the premutation experienced their last period around the age of 48, whereas women without the premutation generally go through menopause around 51 years of age.
How Common is Fragile X Syndrome?
Aside from the fact that the genes derived from Fragile X are the leading cause of mental retardation in the world, it is relatively common throughout men and women around the world. Some statistics relating to the likelihood of inheriting the disorder include:
1. About 1 million of the residents in the U.S. are carrying the mutation responsible for Fragile X. This number includes over 100,000 individuals who have developed the syndrome.
2. Approximately 1 in 5000 men in the entire world are born with the entire Fragile X mutation and the vast majority of these men will have Fragile X syndrome.
3. About 1 in 4000 women are born with the entire Fragile X mutation, and about 50% of these individuals will have most of the features associated with Fragile X syndrome.
Understanding What it Means to be a Carrier
Once you have been tested and have found out that you are a carrier of the Fragile X mutation, you may be wondering what that means. Does it mean that you have a full mutation or a premutation? Will this affect your future children? There are many questions that you may need to have answered.
When an individual is titled as a “carrier” it means that they have a different form of the gene that could potentially result in children or grandchildren being affected by a particular genetic disorder. Every human being is essentially responsible for one type of gene mutation, the majority of which are silent and do not affect our daily lives. Carriers are able to pass the gene on through generations without being affected by the virus.
The majority of the time when an individual is carrying a genetic mutation, the individual is not affected by the mutation but this does not correspond with Fragile X. The reason for this is because carriers are more at-risk for developing other disorders associated with Fragile X syndrome.
Men and Women Can Be Carriers
Depending on the type of chromosome that a genetic mutation pertains to, men or women may be the carriers of the disorder. In terms of Fragile X, both men and women are equally able to be carriers due to the fact that it is on the X chromosome. Also, both men and women are able to be affected by the mutation. The gene for Fragile X (known as the FMR1 gene) goes through a series of changes throughout the human body as it is passed through generations. Essentially the gene begins with being normal, then it develops into a premutation, ending with a full mutation.
This is another aspect that makes the Fragile X mutation so common, as it affects both men and women.
With the ample amount of degenerative and debilitating effects experienced by individuals who suffer from the Fragile X mutation, it is imperative to become screened prior to having children. Also, if you notice that you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek medical assistance so that you can receive an appropriate method of treatment for the disorder.