What is Prader-Willi syndrome?

Prader-Willi Syndrome (Pronounced prahder-willie) is a complex genetic disorder that typically causes low muscle tone, short stature, incomplete sexual development, cognitive disabilities, problem behaviors, and a chronic feeling of hunger that can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity.

Most cases of PWS are attributed to a spontaneous genetic error that occurs at or near the time of conception for unknown reasons. In a very small percentage of cases (2 percent or less), a genetic mutation that does not affect the parent is passed on to the child, and in these families more than one child may be affected. A PWS-like disorder can also be acquired after birth if the hypothalamus portion of the brain is damaged through injury or surgery.

It is estimated that one in 12,000 to 15,000 people has PWS. Although considered a "rare" disorder, PWS is one of the most common conditions seen in genetics clinics and is the most common genetic cause of obesity that has been identified. PWS is found in people of both sexes and all races.

People with PWS have a flaw in the hypothalamus part of their brain, which normally registers feelings of hunger and satiety. While the problem is not yet fully understood, it is apparent that people with this flaw never feel full; they have a continuous urge to eat that they cannot learn to control. Unfortunately, no appetite suppressant has worked consistently for people with PWS. Most require an extremely low-calorie diet all their lives and must have their environment designed so that they have very limited access to food. For example, many families have to lock the kitchen or the cabinets and refrigerator. As adults, most affected individuals can control their weight best in a group home designed specifically for people with PWS, where food access can be restricted without interfering with the rights of those who don't need such restriction.

While there is no medical prevention or cure, early diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome gives parents time to learn about and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and to establish family routines that will support their child's diet and behavior needs from the start. Knowing the cause of their child’s developmental delays can facilitate a family's access to important early intervention services and may help program staff identify areas of specific need or risk. Additionally, a diagnosis of PWS opens the doors to a network of information and support from professionals and other families who are dealing with the syndrome. Although in the past many people with PWS died in adolescence or young adulthood, prevention of obesity can enable those with the syndrome to live a normal lifespan. New medications, including psychotropic drugs and synthetic growth hormone, are already improving the quality of life for some people with PWS. Ongoing research offers the hope of new discoveries that will enable people affected by this unusual condition to live more independent lives. 

Skip a Lunch for Prader-Willi Syndrome

Awareness

(click above to display printable flyer in pdf format)

 To help promote Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness,

we are asking our friends and associations to donate

the cost of a lunch to the Prader-Willi Florida  Association. 

Your contributions are tax-deductible  

Please join us in this crucial fundraising effort. 

 So we can continue to offer support and awareness for all new and old families
 

Name_______________________________

Address ______________________________

Date: ________________  Amount enclosed ____________

Please send to: 

PWFA, 17777 SW 285th Street,  Homestead, Fl 33030

Thank you very much for your support

We are a  501(c)(3) charitable organization and all funds are used to help provide information, family advocacy and parent-to-parent support activities.