'She Stopped Talking At 2': 5-Year-Old’s Dementia Diagnosis Began With These Early Warning Signs

A grandparent has opened up about the early warning signs that led to her grandchild’s devastating dementia diagnosis. Sabrina Peake said her granddaughter Esmay Ford, who is five, stopped talking at the age of two.She was also constantly “picking up colds”, remaining ill “for weeks at a time”, and her hair was falling out in “big clumps”, according to the Mail Online.Esmay’s mum Alisha Morris was concerned for her daughter, so she took her to the doctor’s and was told she had an autoimmune disease and overactive thyroid. But after genetic testing more recently, the family were given the heartbreaking news that their daughter has Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare form of childhood dementia.Children with this disease lack an enzyme which breaks down large sugar molecules. As the molecules accumulate in the cells of the body, they cause irreparable damage to the organs, including the brain.Symptoms of childhood dementiaChildhood dementia occurs because of progressive brain damage. It is caused by over 100 rare genetic disorders, which children are born with, according to the Childhood Dementia Initiative.It’s estimated one in every 2,900 babies globally is born with a condition that can cause childhood dementia. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the disease, many children diagnosed with the cruel condition don’t live past 18 years old.The symptoms are similar to those in adults, and can include: Memory lossConfusionTrouble concentrating, understanding, learning and communicatingPersonality changesDisturbed sleepBehavioural issues such as hyperactivityEmotional issues like anxiety and fear.Signs of Sanfilippo syndromeThere are also specific clinical features of Sanfilippo syndrome, such as: Coarse facial features / coarse and thick hairFrontal bossing (prominent forehead)Macrocephaly (a larger sized head)Chronic nasal congestionToe-walkingSeizuresHearing lossLack of fear (of danger)Gastrointestinal discomfort and colicIncreased food intake or nursing.What is the prognosis?Esmay’s family, who are based in Devon, said her condition will progressively worsen. They are currently raising funds to take her to Disneyland and also buy specialist equipment to care for her, like a modified bed. The Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation notes: “As the brain gets progressively damaged, children experience severe hyperactivity, disordered sleep, loss of speech, cognitive decline, cardiac issues, seizures, loss of mobility, and finally death, usually before adulthood.”Esmay’s grandmother Sabrina Peake told the Mail Online: “We’ve had to come to terms with the fact that we will lose her, and that things will be extremely tough going forward as she gets worse.“Our biggest fear aside from losing her at such a young age, is watching her suffer.”It’s estimated that 700,000 children globally live with childhood dementia. In the UK, it’s estimated 204 die from the disease each year.The Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation said there is no treatment or cure for those with a diagnosis, however several clinical trials have already been completed or are underway.So far, the foundation said gene therapy looks to be the most promising. Related...'My Child Is Worried He's Not Real. He Ended Up Sobbing Because Of It'It’s Not Social Media – What Teens Say Is Damaging Their Mental Health MostDementia Risk Starts In Childhood And Even Infancy, Scientists Warn

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