Information about Cockayne Syndrome
Cockayne Syndrome is relatively unknown and occurs with many side effects, the most severe of which are advanced aging and shortened life span. Children with the condition share characteristics that should make it easy to diagnose -- these kids look and sound almost identical and resemble each other more than they resemble their own siblings. However, since many in the medical community are not aware of the symptoms, children often die before age six or seven without a diagnosis. It is believed there may be several thousand cases of Cockayne Syndrome worldwide, but only about 200 have been reported in the U.S. It is found equally among girls and boys and occurs in nearly every country. Many parents of children with the disease share the same story of a tireless search for answers and an elusive diagnosis until they happen to encounter someone familiar with the disease that recognizes the symptoms. For more information you can visit www.cockaynesyndrome.org
