How does Williams syndrome affect the brain?

MRI studies of WS have demonstrated a series of brain abnormalities, including decreased brain size, with a relatively greater decrease in the volume of the cerebral white matter volume as compared to the cerebral gray matter.


Does Williams syndrome affect intelligence?

Most individuals with Williams syndrome have a degree of intellectual disability, ranging from mild to severe. Research studies have suggested that IQ scores for children with Williams syndrome range from 40 to 112, with a mean IQ score of 68 which equates to a mild intellectual disability (average IQ is 100).

Is Williams syndrome a neurological disorder?

William Syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion in 7q11. 23 (1). In most cases the deletion involves approximately 1.55 megabases (Mb) encoding 26–28 genes in the WS critical region (WSCR); less often (approximately in 5% of cases) a slightly larger deletion of 1.84 Mb occurs (2).


What are the long term effects of Williams syndrome?

Long-term complications of Williams syndrome

Calcium deposits can cause kidney problems, and narrowed blood vessels can cause heart failure. The majority of affected people have some degree of intellectual disability. Learning self-help skills and getting early intervention in school can help encourage independence.

What is life like for people with Williams syndrome?

Most people with Williams syndrome have a normal life expectancy, but some may have a reduced life expectancy due to complications of the disease (such as cardiovascular problems). Oftentimes, people with Williams syndrome will need additional support as they grow into adults.


Extraordinary Variations of the Human Mind:Karen Berman:Neurogenetic Mechanisms in Williams Syndrome



What do people with Williams syndrome struggle with?

Medical problems involving vision or hearing, including sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis), are frequently associated with Williams syndrome. In addition, problems with the digestive tract and the urinary system are also possible. Obesity or diabetes can develop in adulthood.

Does Williams syndrome get worse over time?

Skeletal abnormalities may become worse as affected individuals age. Additional abnormalities may occur in some individuals with Williams syndrome including kidney (renal) abnormalities, chronic urinary tract infections, an underdeveloped (hypoplastic) thyroid gland, and umbilical or inguinal hernias.

Why are people with Williams syndrome always happy?

And they found that people with Williams syndrome have a lot more oxytocin than everybody else, and that it fluctuates wildly in the brain. As a result, they feel this biological impulse to love all the time.


Is Williams syndrome a form of mental retardation?

Williams syndrome is caused by a microdeletion of at least 16 genes on chromosome 7q11. 23. The syndrome results in mild to moderate mental retardation or learning disability. The behavioral phenotype for Williams syndrome is characterized by a distinctive cognitive profile and an unusual personality profile.

Is Williams syndrome mental health?

People with Williams syndrome can develop physical and mental health problems later in life, including anxiety and depression. People with Williams syndrome are very talkative and can be excessively friendly.

Are people with Williams syndrome nice?

People with Williams syndrome are described as having exceptionally friendly personalities, extremely sensitive and empathic, and therefore are also called “love children.” Williams syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of one of the two copies of about 26 genes found on chromosome 7 in humans [1].


Is Williams syndrome progressive?

Williams syndrome is a progressive disorder with multisystem involvement.

What is the typical cognitive profile of someone with Williams syndrome?

Individuals with WS often show an uneven cognitive profile in which language and face-processing abilities are better in comparison to number and visuospatial abilities. However, developmental studies have shown that this uneven cognitive profile is the outcome of a number of atypical developmental processes.

Does Williams syndrome make you happy?

Williams syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting in a variety of medical and developmental features, one of which is a frequent outward presentation of substantial happiness.


Can Williams syndrome live alone?

Some adults are able to function independently, complete academic or vocational school, and live in supervised homes or on their own; most live with a caregiver. Parents can increase the likelihood that their child will be able to live semi-independently by teaching self-help skills early.

Can people with Williams syndrome talk?

Communication difficulties: Most children with Williams syndrome develop speech skills later than other children their age. With intervention, most children develop the ability to communicate wants and needs effectively. In fact, for many children with Williams syndrome, expressive language may be a relative strength.

Are people with Williams syndrome violent?

Several studies have examined aggression in Williams syndrome and a review of aggression is far less common in Williams syndrome (6-15%) compared to other syndromes such as Smith-Magenis, Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes, who all have rates over 70%.


Can a person with Williams syndrome live a normal life?

What is the life expectancy of someone with Williams Syndrome? Williams Syndrome does not generally cause a significant reduction in life expectancy unless there is a significant heart or kidney condition.

Is Williams syndrome similar to autism?

Autism and Williams syndrome are genetically based neurodevelopmental disorders that present strikingly different social phenotypes. Autism involves fundamental impairments in social reciprocity and communication, whereas people with Williams syndrome are highly sociable and engaging.

At what age are you most likely diagnosed with Williams syndrome?

Williams syndrome is usually diagnosed before a child is 4 years old. Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your family medical history. Then the doctor will look for facial features like an upturned nose, wide forehead, and small teeth.


What happens to the body when you have Williams syndrome?

distinctive facial features – including a long upper lip, small chin, generous lips, chubby face, upturned nose and flattened nose bridge. Some people with Williams syndrome may have a squint. weight and growth problems – a newborn baby with William syndrome may have a low birth weight and gain weight slowly.

What support does someone with Williams syndrome need?

Children with WS are often delayed in their learning and most require specialist support (including speech and language therapy, physio therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy). I would say that all children with WS would benefit from 1-to-1 support to help their learning and to follow instructions.

Can Williams syndrome affect the bowel?

Most individuals with Williams syndrome experience GI issues at some point, especially abnormal bowel movement patterns (mainly constipation and related problems such as rectal prolapse & hemorrhoids) and bouts of abdominal pain. Research suggests that GI symptoms can be significant in Williams syndrome.


What famous people have Williams syndrome?

One notable person with the syndrome is Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, a Canadian actress and singer who won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in 2014 for her performance in the film Gabrielle. Another is Jeremy Vest, member of the How's Your News? team, featured in the TV series and film of the same name.

Does Williams syndrome run in families?

The deletion can occur in either the egg or the sperm. It is likely that in most families, the child with Williams syndrome is the only one to have the elastin gene condition in his or her entire extended family.