Everything About The Most Common Genetic Conditions

Genetic conditions are huge. Men, they're a lot more common than you think. A lot more common! So many people, so, so many, live with one. The problem? Lots die from genetic conditions too! Men, these disorders are any condition stemming from a DNA abnormality. They'll be huge, huge triggers for many health problems! Lots of them are inherited, but the environment plays a big role too. The sad news? So many of these conditions have unknown causes also!

Your treatment changes. A lot. Men, you know it depends on the condition! Hormone therapy for Turner syndrome is big, so big. A lung transplant is one of the best options for cystic fibrosis treatment. One of the very best! Thyroid medication for Down syndrome is very common too. But yes, you remember. Knowing the most common conditions and which is at play for you dictates the best treatment!

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome's so common, so common! Men, it's the most common genetic disorder. Yes! This one happens with chromosome 21. Men, you know kids get 2 of each chromosome from their parents. But with Down syndrome, they get 3 copies of chromosome 21! This happens by chance, since experts say the parents often don't have the same mutation! Men, you know the symptoms to look out for. They're things like speech problems, thyroid issues, heart defects, and the iconic physical appearance. Intellectual disability is another big one here. You'll see things like communication issues, lower IQ, slow learning, and a short attention span!

Men, the face of someone with Down syndrome is an iconic one. You'll see it in their eye shape and placement. Obviously! Skull shape and size is another huge part of this too. Men, your eyes will spot the physical signs from birth. The other ones? Those get noticeable later. Finally, this condition puts people at risk of health issues like dementia, low bone mass, and obesity. Stay on your guard!

Turner Syndrome

You get to escape Turner syndrome, men. It only affects females! There's a reason for this. The X chromosome helps determine gender. You get one of them as a man. Women get 2! But with Turner syndrome, the second X chromosome is compromised. It'll be damaged or missing upon birth. Yes, it will be! Men, this one's not inherited a lot. But hold your horses. It also doesn't display symptoms all the time. That said, physical abnormalities are a huge, huge part of Turner syndrome.

The most common sign, yes, the most common, is a webbed neck. Men, people with this condition have low-set ears too. Being very, very short is another sign! More symptoms are heart defects and ovarian failure. You know what the second ones mean: girls with this can't have children most of the time. Sad. You'll see problems doing executive tasks too. Men, this condition makes it hard to stay motivated, focus, or practice self-management!

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis's not fun. Not fun at all! Men, this genetic condition's severe, and often fatal. Sad. Very, very sad. It affects many organs in the body. The cause? Mutations in the CFTR gene, obviously! These gene defects compromise a protein that deals with regulating fluids in your body. Men, that means people with cystic fibrosis have bodies that make way too much sweat, saliva, and mucus. Mucus building in the lungs is what triggers the nasty, nasty breathing problems. Men, more signs are sinus problems and abnormal growth! And you? When you've got cystic fibrosis, infertility is a huge, huge concern. So huge.

Men, this condition's a major trigger for many secondary health problems. So many health problems! One of them is kidney failure. You know where it comes from! It's from dehydration due to too much sweating. Men, cystic fibrosis means a higher risk of things like diabetes and bone disorders. The good news, men? You've got a lower mortality rate with this condition than women. It's not clear why, though.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a big one. You know all about it. It's the most common form of dementia out there. It is! Hold your horses, though. It's also the genetic condition that leads to the most deaths worldwide. Sad. Men, this one's often inherited. You'll get it because of a mutation in 1 or 3 genes! That said, it's not always hereditary. It's not! Other risk factors are brain trauma and something in your environment. You know when it's likely to start: between 30 to 60 years old. Keep your guard up, though, because it can start at any time!

Men, you know the first sign. Memory problems! But your brain degenerates on this one. When it does, you'll see other things affected, like your movement, speech, and other cognitive processes. The mortality rate is nasty, so nasty. Men, it's often from complications like pressure sores and aspiration pneumonia. The first one? These sores come from not moving much. They trigger huge, huge infections, like sepsis. The second? You inhale your food instead of swallowing it!

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a degenerative condition. Yes, it's another neuro one! Men, this one comes from a huntingtin gene mutation. That's where it gets the name! Also, men, you know what that gene should be doing. It's responsible for a protein that handles proper development. Symptoms of this one change a lot, a whole lot, from patient to patient. The same goes for how bad the symptoms are! Men, early signs are mood and personality changes. They're mild when you're young. That's the good news. What's not so good? Symptoms of Huntington's get worse when you age!

Cognitive impairments are huge in Huntington's. The common things you'll see are clear. Men, you know about learning difficulties, memory lapses, and concentration problems. Chorea is another huge, huge symptom. This is the term for involuntary movements! Dystonia sets in when the condition gets worse. Men, you know that. Dystonia's talking about uncontrollable muscle spasms. Not fun! Not fun at all. Bad, bad cases of Huntington's also carry dementia as a symptom. The good news? Huntington's doesn't mean problems with speech or language skills!