Randi Hagerman, a UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute physician and co-founder of the National Fragile X Foundation, helped launch California’s first Fragile X Awareness Day rally and celebration this week at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
The event – established through legislation authored by California State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murietta) – brought together families, researchers, policymakers, educators, health professionals and service providers to increase awareness of fragile X syndrome and related conditions, which cause neurological problems in both children and adults.
"The first Fragile X Awareness Day for California was a great success," said Hagerman, who was one of the event's key speakers. "Everyone worked together to build awareness of the many types of involvement that occur with fragile X. We talked about the wonderful research that is occuring at the M.I.N.D. Institute and our campaign to increase family involvement in our studies, along with the importance of early diagnosis. It was a glorious day!"
Mutations in the fragile X gene may impact over one million men, women and children in the United States. One-third of men over age 50 who are carriers of the fragile X mutation may develop a condition known as fragile X-associated tremor syndrome. FXTAS (pronounced fax-tass) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by balance, tremor and memory problems. In women, fragile X mutations can produce premature ovarian failure in about one in five female carriers of the gene mutation. In children, fragile X is the most commonly known gene mutation associated with mental retardation, autism and learning disabilities. |
