**Document 1: Tay-Sachs Disease**

**Name of Disorder:** Tay-Sachs Disease

**Causes:**
Tay-Sachs results from a mutation in the HEXA gene located on chromosome 15. It’s inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means both parents must carry the mutated gene for their child to be affected.

**Mortality Rate:**
Sadly, children with Tay-Sachs usually don’t make it to late childhood; about 50% pass away by the age of 4-5 years, and nearly all don’t survive past 5-6 years.

**Pictures:**
(Insert relevant images, like the location of the HEXA gene and diagrams showing how Tay-Sachs impacts the nervous system)

**Symptoms:**
Symptoms can include:
- Developmental delays
- Loss of motor skills
- An exaggerated startle response
- Seizures
- Vision and hearing loss
- A "cherry-red spot" on the retina

**Treatment:**
There’s currently no cure for Tay-Sachs. Treatment focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms, which may involve physical therapy and seizure management.

**Treatment Centers:**
Tay-Sachs Disease Testing and Support Center
**Contact:** 555-012-3456
**Website:** www.tay-sachssupport.org

**Document 2: Down Syndrome**
**Name of Disorder:** Down Syndrome

**Causes:**
Down syndrome occurs due to an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21. This usually happens randomly during cell division, and the exact cause of this error isn’t fully understood.

**Mortality Rate:**
Thanks to advancements in modern medicine, individuals with Down syndrome now have a much better life expectancy, with many living into their 50s or even longer.

**Pictures:**
(Insert images such as the structure of chromosome 21 and photos of individuals with Down syndrome)

**Symptoms:**
Symptoms may include:
- Distinctive facial features (like a flat facial profile and slanted eyes)
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Short stature
- Developmental delays
- An increased risk of heart defects rewrite this project in 8th grader writing

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Document 1: Tay-Sachs Disease
Name of Disorder: Tay-Sachs Disease

Causes:
Tay-Sachs Disease is caused by a change in a gene called HEXA, which is found on chromosome 15. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means that both mom and dad need to carry the mutated gene for their child to be affected.

Mortality Rate:
Unfortunately, kids with Tay-Sachs usually do not live to see late childhood. About half of them pass away by the age of 4 or 5, and almost all do not survive past 5 or 6 years old.

Pictures:
(Include images that show where the HEXA gene is located and diagrams illustrating how Tay-Sachs affects the nervous system.)

Symptoms:
The symptoms of Tay-Sachs may include:

  • Developmental delays
  • Loss of motor skills
  • An exaggerated startle response
  • Seizures
  • Loss of vision and hearing
  • A "cherry-red spot" on the retina

Treatment:
There is currently no cure for Tay-Sachs Disease. Treatment mainly focuses on providing supportive care and managing symptoms. This may involve physical therapy and help with controlling seizures.

Treatment Centers:
Tay-Sachs Disease Testing and Support Center
Contact: 555-012-3456
Website: www.tay-sachssupport.org


Document 2: Down Syndrome
Name of Disorder: Down Syndrome

Causes:
Down syndrome happens because there is an extra copy of chromosome 21, which is called trisomy 21. This usually occurs randomly during the process of cell division, and scientists do not fully understand why this happens.

Mortality Rate:
Thanks to improvements in modern medicine, people with Down syndrome now live much longer lives. Many can live into their 50s or even longer!

Pictures:
(Include images showing the structure of chromosome 21 and photos of people with Down syndrome.)

Symptoms:
The symptoms of Down syndrome may include:

  • Distinctive facial features (like a flat facial profile and slanted eyes)
  • Hypotonia (which means low muscle tone)
  • Short stature
  • Developmental delays
  • A higher risk of heart defects.