Some people have a genetic predisposition for developing priondiseases. Examples are described in Table 25.6. In the case ofGerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker disease, the age of onset istypically 30–50 years, and the duration of the disease (whichleads to death) is about 5 years. Suggest a possible explanationwhy someone can live for a relatively long time withoutsymptoms and then succumb to the disease in a relativelyshort time. TABLE 25.6Neurodegenerative Diseases Caused by Prions*DiseaseDescriptionInfectious DiseasesKuruA human disease that was once commonin New Guinea. It begins with a loss ofcoordination, usually followed by dementia.ScrapieA disease of sheep and pigs characterizedby intense itching in which the animals tendto scrape themselves against trees,followed by neurodegenerationMad cow diseaseBegins with changes in posture andtemperament, followed by loss ofcoordination and neurodegenerationHuman Inherlted DlseasesCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease Characterized by loss of coordination anddementiaGerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker diseaseCharacterized by loss of coordinationand dementiaFamilial fatal insomniaBegins with sleeping and autonomicnervous system disturbances followed byinsomnia and dementia"All of these diseases are eventually fatal.

Name: Some people have a genetic predisposition for developing priondiseases
Uploaded: 2024-03-20T06:42:55.000Z
Channel: Bartleby
Description: Some people have a genetic predisposition for developing priondiseases. Examples are described in Table 25.6. In the case ofGerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker disease, the age of onset istypically 30–50 years, and the duration of the disease (whichleads