An inherited disorder involving premature ageing, persistent hardening of the skin, underdevelopment of the sex organs and cataracts.
Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that resembles premature aging (University of Washington, 2000). A genetic mutation on Chromosome 8, labeled WRN, is the cause of WS (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 1997). Although the disorder is not usually diagnosed until the third decade of life, the characteristic- short stature and low body weight are present during childhood and adolescence (National Organization for Rare Disorders [NORD], 1999). Individuals with WS display clinical features that are similar to features of progeria. However, WS is characterized by a later age of onset, and many symptoms of WS are not manifested in progeria.
Werner’s Syndrome or progeria is a very rare inherited condition in which the affected person suffers from premature ageing from adolescence onwards. His or her growth may be retarded, the skin become thin, and arterial disease, diabetes mellitus and leg ulcers develop. Treatment is symptomatic.
An autosomal recessive disease in which adults age at an accelerated pace.