Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disease that accelerates the aging process to about seven times the normal rate. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, and because of its rare nature, no definitive cause can be pinpointed. There are currently between 30 and 40 known cases worldwide of Progeria. Children from all races and cultures from around the world have been affected.
Mental growth is equivalent to other children of the same age.
Most children with Progeria live no longer than their early teenage years, though one or two have lived to be as old as 20 or 21. Progeria was first described by Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson in 1886 and Dr. Hastings Gilford in 1904. There are currently two organizations that are making significant contributions to those families affected by Progeria. Secondly is the Progeria Research Foundation , who is raising money and doing research to help find the cause of Progeria, and it's treatment and cure. Now that you have a general idea about Progeria, take a look at some of the other sections of the site.