cause of tay-sachs disease
A defective gene on chromosome 15 causes Tay-Sachs disease. This defective gene causes the body to not make a protein called hexosaminidase A. Without this protein, chemicals called gangliosides build up in nerve cells in the brain, destroying brain cells.The disease is hereditary, which means it is passed down through families.hose with the chronic form of Tay-Sachs develop symptoms by the age of 10, but the disease progresses slowly. Symptoms may include slurred speech, muscle cramps, and tremors. Life expectancy varies with this form of the disease, and some individuals have a normal lifespan.