Living in a world ruled by the cult of youth, most people are accompanied by a fear of old age. Some, however, have to face it from birth. All because of a rare genetic condition, which to this day remains an unexplored mystery by doctors – progeria. Tiffany Wedekind talks about living with the disease, who tries to remain optimistic despite her diagnosis.
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Progeria – still unexplored mutation
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, literally meaning “premature aging” in Latin, is caused by a point mutation in the LMNA gene on chromosome 1, which encodes a protein that stabilizes the membrane that surrounds the cell nucleus. Gene mutations cause disorders of its function, which is manifested by premature aging – flabby and wrinkled skin, shrinking silhouette or baldness. Researchers are still studying individual cases because understanding progeria may provide an understanding of how the normal aging process works. However, the sick themselves do not have the opportunity to experience old wisdom or life in retirement – they live on average 13 years. This is why the case of activist and influencer Tiffany Wedekind is so fascinating. The woman is 44 years old. She looks like she’s in her seventies though.
Others at that age were already dead. She was then diagnosed
Wedekind began to feel the first effects of progeria as she entered puberty, but quickly learned how to delay the progression of the disease. She was diagnosed in her thirties, which is unusual for this mutation. The secret to her fitness? A balanced diet, daily exercise, regular examinations and specialized medications. He accepts them because he is in the increased risk group when it comes to the possibility of developing atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, cancer or osteoporosis. She is also more prone to heart disease and her bones are more brittle. Although such a lifestyle requires titanic work and huge amounts of energy, the woman does not lose her cheerfulness and willingly shares her experiences on social media and television. She performed, among others in the series “Born Different” of the Truly platform.
According to doctors, progeria is not hereditary, but Tiffany’s family had such a case three times – the disease was detected in her now deceased brother and a 73-year-old, still living mother with a milder form of the mutation. The woman was therefore familiar with this topic and quickly learned to accept her own differences. The mutation took away her teeth, but she didn’t stop smiling. He also has no hair and wears wigs with pride.
Something worse could always happen to me. I’m alive, I’m still healthy, I have people around me who love me and don’t care about my condition.
says Tiffany about herself. Despite the adversity, he still does the disease in spite – this year he will be 45 years old.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
