Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a proclamation recognizing October as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month. Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects, almost exclusively, girls and women. Those diagnosed with Rett syndrome require maximum assistance with daily living activities because more than half of those affected lose their ability to walk.
“It is important for us to raise awareness about this disease and continue to advocate for its cure and join other states, cities and counties in this advocacy,” Gov. Bryan wrote. “We must support funding for research dedicated to finding a cure for Rett syndrome in order to promote a future for those who suffer from the disease and until there is a world without Rett syndrome.”
Every two hours, a female is born with Rett syndrome, but its symptoms usually do not appear until age 6 to 18 months, and a regression period occurs in individuals who suffer from Rett syndrome at which time their motor skills are lost that can lead to lifelong impairments, including loss of speech, seizures, scoliosis and irregular breathing patterns.
The disorder is not degenerative and biomedical research in mice suggests that neurological symptoms may be reversed even after decades of severe symptoms. In 1999, scientists discovered the gene that causes Rett syndrome and proved reversibility in 2007. There currently are six disease-modifying human clinical trials underway, presenting an opportunity to eradicate the debilitating effects of the disorder.
For more information, visit www.Rettsyndrome.org.
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