Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, hereditary disease that affects young children, primarily Ashkenazi Jews, French Canadians, and isolated or self-selecting populations. This work discusses the nature of the disease, why it affects certain groups of people more often than others, and how genetic screening can help detect carriers of the Tay-Sachs gene.

Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, hereditary disease that affects young children, primarily Ashkenazi Jews, French Canadians, and other isolated or self-selecting populations. Caused by the lack of an enzyme that leads to a buildup of fats in nerve and brain cells, it gradually destroys the affected cells, leading to a loss of mental and physical abilities, and, eventually, death. In this fascinating offering, ""Tay-Sachs Disease"" discusses the nature of the disease, why it affects certain groups of people more often than others, how genetic screening can help detect carriers of the Tay-Sachs gene, and what options genetic testing and counseling provide for having children. Student researchers will discover the new medical treatments being used experimentally to treat Tay-Sachs disease, as well as the new genetic treatments that may someday provide a means of curing this degenerative condition.