Genetics: Analysis and Principles 5th Edition by Robert Brooker

Exercise 28

Some people have a genetic predisposition for developing prion diseases. Examples are described in Table 24.6. In the case of Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker disease, the age of onset is typically at 30-50 years, and the duration of the disease (which leads to death) is about 5 years. Suggest a possible explanation why someone can live for a relatively long time without symptoms and then succumb to the disease in a relatively short time.Table 24.6 Neurodegenerative Diseases Caused by Prions*