Tay-Sachs disease is a rare inherited condition where the absence of an enzymeAccording to Genome.gov, an enzyme is a biological catalyst and is almost always a protein. It speeds up the rate of a specific chemical reaction in the cell. The enzyme is not destroyed during the reaction and is used over and over. More called beta-hexosaminidase A (HexA) causes fatty substances to build up in the brain and nerve cells, which damages the brain and spinal cord.

You may see Tay-Sachs disease referred to as “GM2 gangliosidosis” or “GM2” in scientific literature.

Symptoms of infantile Tay-Sachs disease typically appear between the ages of 3-6 months.

There is currently no cure for Tay-Sachs disease, but there are treatments to help manage symptoms and maintain a baselineBaseline is a technical term for “the new normal” or how things looks when they are stable. With Tay-Sachs, Canavan, GM1 gangliosidosis, and Sandhoff diseases, the baseline shifts, and often it shifts down over time like steps, where each lower step represents a lower level of functioning. More for as long as possible. Children with infantile Tay-Sachs often need support with respiratory health and managing seizuresA seizure is a sudden change in behavior due to an excessive electrical activity in the brain. There are a wide variety of possible symptoms of seizures, depending on what parts of the brain are affected. Many types of seizures cause loss of consciousness with twitching or shaking of the body. However, some seizures consist of staring spells that can easily go unnoticed. Occasionally, seizures can cause temporary abnormal sensations or visual disturbances. More.

Tay-Sachs disease is a rare genetic condition that’s passed from parents to children. It is a recessive disorder, which means that both parents must carry the geneOften referred to as the "unit of heredity." A gene is composed of a sequence of DNA required to produce a functional protein. More for it to be passed on to a child.

Tay-Sachs disease exists on a spectrum, and every individual experiences infantile Tay-Sachs differently. Infantile Tay-Sachs is the most common form of the disease.

Between 3–6 months of age, you may notice your child:

• Begins to regress
• Does not achieve the milestones that neurotypical children achieve
• Exhibits a strong startle responseThe startle response or reflex is a normal reflex for an infant when he or she is startled or feels like they are falling. The infant will have a "startled" look and the arms will fling out sideways with the palms up and the thumbs flexed. Presence of the startle response in babies older than a few months is abnormal and associated with neurological damage. For more details visit here. More

Between 6–23 months, you may notice your child:

• Continues to regress
• Loses development milestones gained, like sitting up with assistance or rolling over
• Begins to lose strength in swallowing, leading to increased episodes of aspirationThe inhalation of either food or stomach contents into the lower airways. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia and aspiration pneumonitis. Although these two diagnoses are managed differently, they are often interchangeably referred to as aspiration pneumonia. More
• Experiences more episodes of respiratory illness caused by aspiration
• Begins to experience seizures

At 24 months and onward, you may notice your child:

• Experiences increased seizure activity
• Becomes less engaged with surroundings and less responsive to stimulation
• Has an increased need to manage secretion as they lose the ability to swallow mucus on their own
• Experiences increased episodes of respiratory illness

To confirm a diagnosis, your clinician will order a diagnostic blood test to check the levels of HexA in the blood. Genetic testing may be recommended, as well as an eye exam to check for a distinctive cherry-red spotThe term ‘cherry red spot’ describes the appearance of the retina when viewed by an eye specialist that is associated with metabolic neurological disorders like Tay-Sachs, Sandhoff, GM-1, Niemann-Pick, MPS and other similar disorders. Warren Tay described the cherry red spot in Symmetrical changes in the region of the yellow spot in each eye of an infant, published in Transactions of Ophthalmology Society UK in 1881: …in the region of the yellow spot in each eye there was a conspicuous, tolerably defined, large white patch, more or less circular in outline, and showing at its centre a brownish-red, fairly circular spot, contrasting strongly wit the white patch surrounding it. Disappearance of the cherry-red spot is not indictiative of disease lessening. More in the back of the eyes, which indicates Tay-Sachs disease.

When your child gets a Tay-Sachs diagnosis, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Take the time you need to absorb the news and process your emotions. Consider reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors to build a support network to help you today and moving forward.

You’re always welcome to reach out to our Family Services Team for information, advice, and support at any point in your experience.

When you’re ready, the following steps will help you get organized and move forward.

Your Philosophy of Care is a clear plan that outlines your goals for your child’s care and health management. It includes the interventions you would like to use (and avoid) and reflects what you think will work best for you and your family.

Benefits of Having a Philosophy of Care

Overall, a Philosophy of Care lets you think through how you’d like to care for your child and communicate that information with your healthcare team. Specifically, your Philosophy of Care is vital during an emergency when it’s difficult to think clearly and make decisions quickly.

Every family’s Philosophy of Care is different—ranging from few interventions, moderate interventions, and more interventions—and we support all families in their decisions.

Make Your Own Philosophy of Care

To build a Philosophy of Care begin by jotting down thoughts and ideas as you research the disease, consult with healthcare providers, and discuss with your partner, family, close friends, and others. You may find you have a clear plan within days, or it might take weeks or months. Keep in mind that the Philosophy of Care isn’t written in stone. If a goal doesn’t serve your family anymore, it’s okay to change it or remove it altogether.

You can make your own Philosophy of Care or download our template here.

While there is currently no cure for infantile Tay-Sachs disease, it is possible to manage symptoms like seizures and trouble swallowing as guided by your Philosophy of Care.

If your family member or close friend has a child diagnosed with infantile Tay-Sachs disease, you may not know how to help. The best thing you can do is be there for them. Caregiving is incredibly time consuming and is emotionally and physically draining. It can also feel very lonely, and parents may struggle to ask for help.

There are many ways to help children, families, and siblings. Here are seven ways to get you started:

1. Offer concrete help like picking up groceries, caring for siblings, cooking meals, doing the laundry, housecleaning, or offering to babysit.
2. Learn about infantile Tay-Sachs disease to get to know what they may be experiencing.
3. Provide companionship by dropping in with coffee and a treat or inviting them out for a walk. If you’re out of town, try to visit in a way that won’t disrupt their daily routine.
4. Listen with empathy and understanding, knowing they will experience a wide range of emotions.
5. Be a resource, but don’t give advice.
6. Get to know their special child by asking parents what they would like. You might offer to read a story, sing a song, or bring a soft stuffed toy to snuggle.
7. Engage with siblings and invite them on special outings or your own family gatherings.

Getting a Tay-Sachs diagnosis can be overwhelming. It’s hard to know what to do first. Our Family Services Team is here to help. They’ll answer your questions, share information, and invite you to connect with our caring and helpful Community.