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Fatal Familial Insomnia: A Rare Genetic Nightmare

1/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a devastating genetic disorder that robs individuals of sleep, leading to dementia and muscle twitching, with no cure in sight. Affecting just 1 to 2 people per million each year, this rare condition is inherited, with only 50 to 70 families worldwide believed to carry the elusive genetic mutation.

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Story summary

Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a devastating genetic disorder that robs individuals of sleep, leading to dementia and muscle twitching, with no cure in sight. Affecting just 1 to 2 people per million each year, this rare condition is inherited, with only 50 to 70 families worldwide believed to carry the elusive genetic mutation.