Sammy Basso and progeria: what is “born old syndrome”

Sammy Basso, the longest-living progeria sufferer, who died at the age of 28, brought to everyone’s attention a pathology that is being studied by many scientists on the aging process.
Progeria or Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome is a rare disease that causes premature aging even if it does not alter the mind, which remains the only indicator of the patient’s true age. It causes the onset of diseases typical of the elderly, such as coronary heart disease, in children and leads the individual to an early death. Those born with progeria typically have a life expectancy of twenty years. Progeria is caused by a sporadic mutation produced during the early stages of embryonic development. It is rarely passed from affected parent to child, because affected children rarely live long enough to have children.
Although the term progeria is applied narrowly to all diseases characterized by symptoms of premature aging, it is often applied specifically to Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome (HGPS). Scientists are particularly interested in studying progeria because it could reveal clues about the normal aging process. Although there is not yet a cure, research is making great progress with the aim of delaying its effects. (HANDLE).