progeria
Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that causes rapid aging in children. It is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, which affects the production of a protein essential for maintaining the structure of the cell nucleus. Children with progeria typically appear healthy at birth but begin to show signs of aging, such as hair loss, joint stiffness, and cardiovascular issues, within the first few years of life.
The condition is extremely rare, affecting approximately 1 in 20 million births. Most children with progeria do not live beyond their teenage years, primarily due to complications related to heart disease. Research is ongoing to better understand the disorder and develop potential treatments, with some promising therapies currently being tested.