Two-Year Old Boy in UK Has Alzheimer's-Like Disease

Alzheimer's disease and most other types of dementia occur primarily in older people, but a rare genetic disorder called Neimann-Pick Disease-Type C can occur in children.

Taylor Smith, a 2-year-old boy from the UK, has Neimann-Pick Disease-Type C as a result of both parents passing down a faulty gene to him. The disease interferes with the body's ability to break down cholesterol and lipids, resulting in a buildup of fatty lipids in the spleen, liver, and brain.

Taylor is doing okay now, but he'll likely develop symptoms before he becomes a teenager such as memory problems, learning difficulties, slurred speech, and problems with coordination and balance.

Unfortunately, there is no cure. Although Niemann-Pick Disease-Type C is extremely rare, it's very much a reality for the Smith family. My heart goes out to them.

Related Reading:

• Niemann-Pick Disease
• Types of Dementia

Photo of Cells Affected by Niemann-Pick Disease © A.D.A.M.