Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a genetic condition that affects the nervous system.
  • It becomes progressively worse over time.
  • Symptoms usually first appear at around six months of age in previously healthy babies.
  • The life expectancy for children with TSD is around five years of age.
  • There is currently no effective treatment.
  • TSD is more commonly seen in people who are of Ashkenazi Jewish or French-Canadian descent.

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Reviewed on: 08-10-2019