Published on: 6/12/2025
What is fatal familial insomnia and how does it affect individuals?
Fatal familial insomnia is a rare genetic disorder that causes severe sleep problems and eventually leads to death. It affects the brain and results in symptoms like trouble sleeping, confusion, and memory loss.
Explanation
Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and leads to severe sleep disturbances. People with this condition find it increasingly hard to sleep and symptoms severely progress
Symptoms and Effects:
- Sleep Problems: The main symptom is trouble sleeping. As the condition progresses, sleep becomes almost impossible.
- Cognitive Issues: Individuals may experience confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
- Behavioral Changes: People with FFI might have mood swings and changes in behavior.
Causes:
FFI is caused by a mutation in a specific gene that affects the brain. This genetic change leads to damage in certain parts of the brain, which is why sleep and other functions are affected.
Progression:
The disease usually starts in middle age and gets worse over time. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and it eventually leads to death.
For those experiencing mental health concerns related to FFI or other conditions, support is available at 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Gallassi R, Morreale A, Montagna P, Cortelli P, Avoni P, Castellani R, et al. (1996). Fatal familial insomnia: behavioral and cognitive features. Neurology, 8780067.
- Cortelli P, Gambetti P, Montagna P, & Lugaresi E. (1999). Fatal familial insomnia: clinical features and molecular .... Journal of sleep research, 10389103.
- Rossi G, Macchi G, Porro M, Giaccone G, Bugiani M, Scarpini E, et al. (1998). Fatal familial insomnia: genetic, neuropathologic, and .... Neurology, 9521257.
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