32. Tay Sachs (GM2 gangliosidosis)

Question 1

**What is Tay-Sachs (GM2 gangliosidosis)

Answer 1

• Lack of enzyme that breaks down fatty substance, building up toxic levels in the brain and affect the function of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
• *- destroys nerve cells in brain/spinal cord
• Loss of muscle control, cherry-red spots in the eyes
• Loss of motor skills, such as turning over, crawling, and sitting up.
• loss of vision/hearing loss

Question 2

**Who does Tay-Sachs affect the most & why

Answer 2

Ashkenazi Jewish

- b/c they lack enzyme that ↓ down fatty substances/allows toxic build up in the brain