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What is Fahr's Disease?
Fahr's Disease is a rare, genetically inherited neurological disorder characterised by calcium deposits in areas of the brain that control movement.
It is important to note that Fahr's Syndrome is similar to Fahr's Disease but usually is not attributable to a single cause and it is more likely to be due to environmental factors (eg. toxicity or trauma). To complicate matters Fahr's is also known my over 30 other names, such as Primary Familial Basal Ganglia Calcification.
Fahr Beyond is the only charity in the world to exclusively work to support people with Fahr's.
What are the symptoms?
Fahr's conditions are degenerative this means that they usually get worse as you get older.
There can be a deterioration of motor function, dementia, seizures, headache, poor articulation of speech, stiffness or lack of movement in the limbs, eye impairments, and involuntary writhing movements of the body. In some patients Fahr's may cause or appear alongside other psychological conditions. Sadly, in some cases Fahr's can cause death.
Fahr's can also include symptoms characteristic of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, muscle rigidity, a mask-like facial appearance, shuffling gait, and a "pill-rolling" motion of the fingers. These symptoms generally occur later in the development of the condition.
Whilst these are list of known symptoms this is not a definitive list, and indeed, some people may have no symptoms whatsoever and lead healthy lives without any negative impact.
Age of onset is typically in the 40s or 50s, although it can occur at any time.