Fragile X syndrome is a progressive, neurological condition identified by physicians at the UC-Davis MIND Institute. It predominantly affects men older than age 50. Nearly one in 800 men are carriers of the fragile X premutation, and as many as 30 percent of carriers may develop FXTAS later in life.

FXTAS is commonly misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease because of similarity in symptoms. Initial signs of FXTAS may include difficulty writing, using eating utensils, pouring water, and walking. These symptoms progress over years or even decades until carrying out daily living tasks without assistance becomes difficult or impossible. Other symptoms include: short-term memory loss, anxiety, reclusive or irritable behavior, decreased sensation in the lower extremities to touch and vibration, lower limb weakness, tremor during movement and urinary/bowel incontinence.

Compared to Alzheimer's disease, the verbal abilities of FXTAS patients are typically preserved. The tremor in FXTAS is usually an action tremor that comes out with movement, while a tremor at rest is associated with Parkinson's. There are also significant balance problems early on that may not be seen in those with Parkinson's, and most FXTAS patients cannot tandem walk.

UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute - Fragile X Research and Treatment Center...CLICK FOR MORE