“Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn't should use together. But alas, around 1,400 Australian children and young people Currently living with incurable childhood dementia.
Broadly, childhood dementia is brought on by one among these. More than 100 Rare genetic disorders. Although the causes are different from dementia acquired later in life, the progressive nature of the disease is similar.
half Infants and youngsters with childhood dementia is not going to reach their tenth birthday, and most will die. Before turning 18.
Yet this devastating condition lacks awareness, and importantly requires research attention to work toward treatment and cure.
More about causes
There are many varieties of childhood dementia. Reason by the Variations (or errors) of ours DNA. These errors result in quite a few rare genetic disorders, including childhood dementia.
Two thirds Dementia Diseases in Childhood”Inborn errors of metabolismThis signifies that the metabolic pathways involved within the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, fatty acids and proteins within the body fail.
As a result, nerve pathways fail to operate, neurons (nerve cells that send messages across the body) die, and progressive cognitive decline occurs.
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What happens to children with childhood dementia?
Most children appear unaffected initially. But after a period of apparently normal development, children with childhood dementia Lose slowly All previously acquired skills and skills, similar to talking, walking, learning, remembering and reasoning.
Childhood dementia also causes significant changes in behavior, similar to aggression and hyperactivity. Severe sleep disturbances are common and vision and hearing can also be affected. Many children have seizures.
The age at which symptoms begin can vary, depending partially on the particular genetic disorder that causes dementia, but the common is around Two years old. Symptoms are brought on by significant, progressive brain damage.
Is there any treatment available?
Current treatment of childhood dementia Under evaluation or are for a really limited variety of approved disorders, and are only available in certain parts of the world. These include gene alternative, Gene-modified cell therapy And protein or Enzyme replacement therapy. Enzyme alternative therapy is obtainable in Australia. A form of childhood dementia. These treatments attempt to “fix” the issues that cause the disease, and show promising results.
Other experimental treatments include those target Poor protein production or Reduce inflammation In the mind
Lack of give attention to research.
Mortality rates of Australian children with cancer About half between 1997 and 2017 Thanks to research that has enabled the event of several treatments. But in recent many years, Nothing has changed For children with dementia.
In 2017-2023, 4 times more funding was received per patient than for childhood cancer research. Childhood dementia. This is despite childhood dementia. Similar deaths As childhood cancer annually.
success For those with childhood cancer Recent many years have shown how properly funding clinical research can improve patient outcomes.
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Another barrier for childhood dementia patients in Australia is the shortage of access to clinical trials. one Analysis Data published in March this yr showed that in December 2023, just two clinical trials were recruiting patients with childhood dementia in Australia.
However, 54 trials were being recruited worldwide, meaning Australian patients and their families are watching patients in other parts of the world receive potentially life-saving treatments, which themselves don't have any recourse.
That said, we have now seen a slowdown in establishment. Clinical trials for childhood dementia worldwide in recent times.
Also, tell us Counseling with families that existing care and support systems; Not meeting the requirements. Children with dementia and their families.
New research
Recently, we were awarded New funding of the Our research This will help us proceed and expand studies on childhood dementia that seek to develop life-saving treatments.
More broadly, we'd like to see increased funding for research to develop and translate treatments for a big selection of childhood dementia conditions in Australia and around the globe.